The New England Patriots reportedly tried to target Chris Godwin in free agency, but the Pro Bowl wide receiver decided to stay with the Buccaneers.
Godwin reportedly turned down a lucrative offer to leave Tampa Bay and admitted he was “really close” to signing with the Patriots. Head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t go into details about his side’s pursuit of Godwin, but the 29-year-old opened up about his decision Tuesday.
“I think, what it boiled down to, honestly, was family and just staying true to who I am,” Chris Godwin told reporters, per Matt Matera of Pewter Report. “I feel like nine out of ten people in this position wouldn’t necessarily have made the decision that I did, but I don’t do the things that I do based on what other people would do.
“I trust my gut and I stay true to who I am. One thing I’ve never done is made any decisions solely based on the money. I think I’m fortunate enough to be in this position and to be here at this table again.”
New England reportedly put on a “full-court press” to try to court Godwin. However, even with the most cap space entering free agency, the Patriots still face the obstacle of them being a worthwhile destination.
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They were able to convince Milton Williams. However, the Patriots weren’t able to do the same with an elite offensive player during the legal tampering period.