Until the problems are addressed, fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers will be talking about the quarterback and wide receiver positions throughout the 2025 offseason. General Manager Omar Khan will have money to play with in free agency and the hope is that the cash in the bank is used to upgrade an outdated offense, rather than investing a ton more in the league's top-paid defense. If the plan is to keep George Pickens around, he is going to need some support on the receiving corps, which is why many are expecting the organization to potentially use the trio of the trade market, free agency and the draft.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
One of the biggest free agents out there, Tee Higgins from the Cincinnati Bengals, is expected to be hit with the franchise tag. Altogether, this could just be a formality that allows the two sides to ink a long-term deal. If not, the organization will likely trade the wide receiver with having a little bit of control over where he goes. That all but eliminates the possibility of Higgins coming to the Steel City.
The next possible option has played his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chris Godwin will be 29 years of age when free agency begins in March, but has been the perfect receiver to play alongside Mike Evans for many seasons. Due to Tampa Bay's cap situation, many thought that Godwin would be certain to hit free agency. That is now not currently the case.
Chris Godwin’s current contract was due to void, triggering $18 million in dead money against the Bucs’ 2025 cap, but the two sides agreed to move that void date to the final day of the league year (March 12). Buys them time to work out a new deal and keep some 2025 cap savings.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 19, 2025
Godwin is coming off of a gruesome injury, but that does not seem to worry the Buccaneers. Extending the window to sign him to a long-term deal is bad news for any team that would have been interested in his services. In a matter of a week, the top two free agent wide receivers suddenly look like they may not be negotiating with external parties at all come March.
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (#5) gets ready to set up at the line of scrimmage as his team takes on the Kansas City Chiefs on the road.
The fact that the Buccaneers, despite having Evans and promising young pass-catcher Jalen McMillan, are working to extend Godwin yet again is not what the Steelers wanted. Landing Higgins seemed to be a long shot due to his age and expected contract, but a near-30-year-old coming off a season-ending injury may have seemed more doable. Unfortunately, Tampa seems committed to getting something done that works for both parties.
Godwin was on pace for his best career season seven games into the 2024 campaign when he dislocated his ankle. He finished the year with 50 catches for 576 yards and five touchdowns. It was devastating for a Buccaneers team that was relying on him, and many expected it to be his last down played in Tampa. According to Spotrac, the Buccaneers are in the red when it comes to cap space, making the situation even more interesting.
While adjusting the contract of Godwin to get more time with him is savvy, it does not mean that the two sides will agree to a deal. It does mean, however, that there is mutual interest that could derail any chance the wide receiver has of hitting the free agency market.
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Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin jogs on the field after playing a professional football game.
Steelers Already Potentially Losing Top Desired Options Before New League Year
Fans wants to see Khan and Pittsburgh make several splashes during the 2025 offseason. No one is quite sure what is going on at the quarterback position, but the wide receiving corps is another area that must be addressed. Higgins was always unlikely, but Godwin seemed like a relatively reasonable target to go after. That could soon no longer be valid if he and the Buccaneers agree to a new contract.
Do you want to the Godwin playing for the Steelers in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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