"No income tax": NFL fans react to Chris Godwin rejecting Patriots' $30 million offer to stick with Buccaneers

Chris Godwin signed a three-year $66 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March. However, The Athletic's Dan Pompei claimed that the wide receiver declined a chance to earn a more lucrative $30 million per season contract with the New England Patriots.

Godwin's decision likely indicated his trust in playing alongside Baker Mayfield, particularly following another NFC South title, but some think he turned down teaming up with Drake Maye for other reasons.

"You call it loyalty, I call it no income tax," a fan said.

"You ever heard of state tax?" one fan wrote.

"No state income taxes & the increased commission on the AAV probably made his take home $ fairly similar... Factor in living in Florida over Connecticut... Makes sense," a fan tweeted.

"$90MM in Boston - 9% in State income tax(4% extra over $1MM/year). So now it’s <$ 80MM - when you calculate COLA- property taxes, etc-, he is down to around $ 72MM - the weather sucks & Baker is hot! Smart decision - economically/professionally !!" another fan tweeted.

"No state income tax, great weather, baker mayfield over drake maye. I mean it’s kind of a no-brainer," one fan commented.

"22 million in No income tax in Florida is probably more take home than 30 million in super progressive high tax Massachusetts," another fan said.

Godwin missed a lot of time due to an ankle injury last season. He missed the rest of the campaign after dislocating it in Week 7.

Since he surpassed 1,000 yards in four of his last five seasons, up to five teams, including the Patriots, reportedly overlooked the injury and extended offers to him, However, the former third-round pick decided to stay in Florida.

Why did Chris Godwin stay with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

According to The Athletic's Dan Pompei, Chris Godwin had a conversation with his wife, Mariah, after he got the offer from the New England Patriots. They both reportedly "went over the possibilities" of moving, but in the end, chose to remain in Tampa Bay.

Godwin's decision was likely influenced by more than just financial considerations. The Patriots ultimately missed out on acquiring one of the league's most productive receivers.

New England signed free agents Mack Hollins and Stefon Diggs after Godwin declined its offer. Additionally, the Pats selected Kyle Williams out of Washington State in the third round in April.