Pump the brakes on all of those Chris Godwin free agency rumors
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to bring back Chris Godwin well past 2021
Chris Godwin might be the biggest name of all the Tampa Bay players looking for a new deal this offseason.
Despite his numbers diminishing under the direction of Tom Brady (more likely due to an injury-plagued season than anything else), most still view him as a top tier receiver with No.1 play skills that will be worth a pretty penny on the market.
For those expecting him to be playing elsewhere next season, think again. Tampa Bay won’t be letting him go without a fight.
One other future note for the #Bucs: WR Chris Godwin is a free agent and they don’t want him going anywhere. Expect attempts to do a long-term deal and the franchise tag is available, too. Godwin should be back https://t.co/A3d5GQjG7G
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 7, 2021
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Godwin is not expected to hit the open market without an offer from Tampa. The Buccaneers “don’t want him going anywhere” following another productive season that helped Tampa reach their first Super Bowl since 2003.
NFL Rumors: Chris Godwin’s value too strong for the Bucs to lose
Godwin has been one of the more productive players in Tampa’s offense since being drafted out of Penn State back in 2017. He caught 65 passes for 840 yards and scored seven touchdowns through 12 regular-season games with Brady under center.
The first three seasons for Godwin also were mighty productive despite splitting reps with Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans. He tallied 179 catches for 2,700 yards and 17 total touchdowns from 2017-2019.
The Buccaneers’ offense finally hit their stride with Brady under center. The team will also have to decide what the plan will be moving forward as both Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski are set to hit the free agent market as well. The team has reportedly been interested in bringing back Brown while Gronk could mull over retirement once again.
Most 20+ yard catches from the slot:
— PFF (@PFF) February 3, 2021
1. CeeDee Lamb - 12
2. Cole Beasley - 8
T-3. Justin Jefferson - 7
T-3. Chris Godwin - 7 pic.twitter.com/3bUeCZhe0g
Tampa Bay also will need to work out a deal that should keep Lavonte David and Shaquil Barrett on the defense for another season. Ultimately, one of the top names will be leaving for top dollar at some point for the big payday.
For now, Godwin is not the name that Buccaneers will be saying goodbye to come 2021.
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