Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht praised cornerback Ayden Garnes, Chris Godwin Jr. and the team’s depth at outside linebacker during a Tuesday media availability. Garnes made the initial 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie after recording a 47-yard pick-six against the New York Jets. He also had a tackle for loss and a pass breakup.
Garnes was a former zero-star recruit out of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. During his final collegiate season, he recorded 43 tackles, eight pass deflections and one interception. Licht highlighted Garnes’ confidence, instincts and playmaking ability.
“Everyday he was making a play on the ball or multiple plays on the ball and he has excellent instincts,” said Licht. “He is tough and what I like about him – I was talking with some of our players about this – is that he does not have a cocky air to him but he has a very confident air to him and he knows that he is good. He carried that with him and in that position, you have to have a lot of confidence, so he has that going for him too.”
Tampa Bay has confidence in outside linebacker depth
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added veteran outside linebacker Al-Quadin Muhammad and first-round selection Rueben Bain Jr. during the offseason. The group also includes Yaya Diaby, David Walker and Anthony Nelson. Walker missed his 2025 rookie season after tearing his ACL early in training camp.
Licht said Tampa Bay has strong depth at outside linebacker. He also described the group as the deepest he could remember during his tenure with the organization. The unit includes veteran additions, a first-round selection and players already with the team.
“We have really good depth, and is as good as I can remember we have had here in my tenure, at outside linebacker and I feel very good about that,” described Licht. “Feels very good from what we have seen thus far from all of them.”
Chris Godwin Jr. takes on veteran leadership role
Following Mike Evans’ departure, Chris Godwin Jr. became the veteran leader of Tampa Bay’s receiver room. Godwin missed five games last season because of a fibula injury and played 428 snaps. He also suffered a significant ankle injury in 2024.
Godwin led all NFL players in receptions when he was injured in 2024 and had five touchdowns in seven games. He returned to a full-time slot role last season and was described as being in peak form in 2026. Licht identified Godwin as a receiver poised for a breakout and praised his consistency.
“I would be remiss if I did not mention Chris Godwin for all he has done for this organization and talk about being a consistent, steady, Mr. Clutch player, that is him and he looks very, very good out there right now.”
Source: Original report