The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a challenging offseason, with several key players poised to hit free agency and limited draft capital, holding just six picks. As a result, each decision made will be crucial in shaping the team’s future.
One of the biggest decisions the front office faces is whether or not to re-sign wide receiver Chris Godwin.
With Chris Godwin set to become a free agent, speculation suggests the Buccaneers might not aggressively pursue re-signing him, particularly given the emergence of rookie Jalen McMillan.
Not So Fast My Buccaneers Friend
Despite speculation about Chris Godwin’s future, the Buccaneers have consistently expressed their desire to retain him. To make good on this intention, the team will need to take decisive action.
According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Tampa Bay has ruled out using the franchise tag on Godwin due to the hefty salary it would entail. Instead, the Buccaneers are reportedly committed to re-signing Godwin through other means.
“While sources told ESPN that the Bucs very much want receiver Chris Godwin back and will do what it takes to make this happen, it won’t be by using the franchise tag,” Laine continued. “They used the tag as a placeholder the last time Godwin was a free agent (in 2022), and they used it on him in 2021, so this would be his third time being tagged — therefore it would have to be a 144% raise, and I’m told there is “no chance” of that happening. They’ll do what it takes to re-sign him as a free agent.”
Assuming Jenna Laine’s report accurately reflects the team’s intentions, and there’s no reason not to, it would be prudent for the Buccaneers to prioritize retaining Chris Godwin. Before his Week 7 injury, Godwin was on a torrid pace, making his retention a key offseason objective.
Prior to his injury, Chris Godwin was in the midst of a stellar season, averaging 82 receiving yards per game and scoring five touchdowns across seven contests. At that pace, he was projected to eclipse 1,300 receiving yards, showcasing his impressive form.
While concerns linger about Chris Godwin’s recovery from a gruesome ankle injury, it seems his health status won’t deter the Buccaneers’ efforts to retain him. The team appears willing to go to great lengths to ensure No. 14 remains in Tampa.
The BR RubÂ
Look, we’re just as sentimental as the anyone, but there needs to be a serious discussion about retaining Godwin. We have to consider he’s missed time with injuries throughout his professional career. Godwin is entering his 9th season, and as of now has only played in every regular season game three times on eight years. While this alone isn’t reason to disqualify re-signing him, it has to factor in.
That said, Godwin is arguably the best WR2 in the league. So while injuries are a concern, they should be weighed accordingly against the positives. But this is only opinion, the team’s front office will ultimately do their due diligence and make the right call. Hopefully that leads to a long-term extension for Godwin. But don’t be mad or shocked if it doesn’t.
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