5 free agents the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can’t afford to lose

1. WR Chris Godwin

Godwin had a breakout 2019 season (86 catches for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns), which created optimism for him with Brady’s arrival. But his 2020 was a disappointment, as he just couldn’t seem to avoid injuries during the first half of the season and finished with 65 catches for 840 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games.

The arrival of Antonio Brown in the lineup impacted Godwin for a time, with the condition of a fractured finger that caused him to miss only one game also surely a factor. But from Week 16 through the NFC Championship Game (five games), Godwin has topped 75 yards four times with at least seven targets in all five. Brown missed the NFC title game with a knee injury, and he seems sure to be limited in the Super Bowl if he is able to play.

By all accounts, the Buccaneers have been happy with Brown’s work, and he has been a good soldier. So it’s no surprise they’re open to having him back next season.

Godwin is sure to command a nice contract in free agency, and there will be plenty of other suitors. But if the Buccaneers somehow prioritize Brown over him, with a h/t to Brian Giuffra of The Big Lead, they are making a big mistake that’s bound to backfire.

Godwin is younger, he’s a better player than Brown right now and he’s not a constant looming distraction off the field like Brown is. Brady may want Brown back next season, and be able to keep him in line again by taking him on as a roommate. But if it’s a one or the other thing between the two (and it doesn’t necessarily have to be), Godwin has to win that for all involved.

If Godwin leaves for a better deal elsewhere, that’s one thing. But if the Buccaneers lose him without making a competitive offer while instead retaining Brown and crossing their fingers, that’s a double-mistake that can’t happen.