The Buccaneers did the unthinkable this offseason in bringing back every starter from their Super Bowl championship. This has drawn rave reviews from media talking heads from multiple media outlets. Bucs general manager Jason Licht and VP of Football Administration Mike Greenberg‘s financial wizardry has put the team in excellent position to defend their title. Some have said these contracts are in a sense “Kicking the Can Down the Road”, that’s fair.
Fast-forward to today, Wednesday July 14th, and you realize that “can” and that “road” are here. Well, the first hurdle is at least as the Bucs have until tomorrow, Thursday the 15th of July to sign WR Chris Godwin to a contract extension. Godwin is currently under the franchise tag which is worth $15,983 million. You have to wonder what dollar amount Godwin is looking for? And if Licht and Greenberg have anything left in their bag of tricks?
Taking a Chance on Godwin
ESPN’s senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler reports there could be a chance, but points out a potential problem for the Buccaneers and Godwin’s extension.
Bucs and Chris Godwin could have a chance since Godwin was key part of championship run in Tampa and Bucs have shown willingness to spend to keep core intact. But with draft mate Kenny Golladay getting $18M per year in New York, would likely requires a big number to get done.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 13, 2021
Fowler says there’s a chance,, but this is where it gets tricky for the Buccaneers. Wide receiver Kenny Golladay was drafted after Godwin in the 3rd round, he recently signed an extension with New York for $18 million per year. The Bucs are currently paying WR Mike Evans $16.5 million per year, do you see the problem yet?
The Buccaneers seemingly would have to best the Golladay contract, putting Godwin’s salary higher than Evans’. This would also put well over $30 million a year for two players, albeit two great players.
This all might explain why there hasn’t been much coming out of One Buc Place about the pending deadline for a Godwin extension.
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