(Photo credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images)

Top Tampa Bay Buccaneers free agent Chris Godwin opted to re-sign on Monday rather than depart for more money elsewhere, according to multiple reports, signing a $66 million, three-year contract.

Godwin was a hot commodity despite ending last season on injured reserve. But he was also the top free agency priority for general manager Jason Licht, who has been maniacal about re-signing players developed by the organization.

Godwin's agent was also in negotiations with other teams. The New England Patriots made the strongest push for Godwin, according to ESPN, before he turned down more money to stay with the only NFL team he has known.

Licht re-signed linebacker Lavonte David last week, brought back guard Ben Bredeson with a three-year deal on Monday, and with Godwin has resumed the path he established last offseason with new deals for safety Antoine Winfield Jr., wide receiver Mike Evans, quarterback Baker Mayfield, tackle Tristan Wirfs and kicker Chase McLaughlin.

While Godwin runs it back in a sea of familiar faces, for the third time in three seasons, the Buccaneers enter the offseason with a new offensive coordinator. Liam Coen, who replaced Panthers head coach Dave Canales last year, was hired as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Godwin, 29, returns for his ninth season with the Bucs as the running mate Evans in the Tampa Bay offense. Godwin had a league-leading 50 receptions for 576 yards and five touchdowns at the time of his season-ending ankle injury on Oct. 21 against the Baltimore Ravens. Licht said last month that Godwin was expected to be ready for training camp.

He has 579 career catches for 7,266 yards and 39 touchdowns.

--Field Level Media