NFL franchise tag 2021: 10 players most likely to be tagged

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 03: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on January 03, 2021, in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

5. Franchise tag candidates – WR Chris Godwin

The reigning Super Bowl champs are the only team to have two players on this list of potential franchise tag candidates. Let’s start with a look at Godwin, another member of this offseason’s star-studded receiver class.

Godwin quickly became a favorite weapon for Tom Brady thanks to his ability to play both outside and in the slot. Injuries limited Godwin to just 12 games but he still caught 65 passes for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.

If this decision was up to Brady there is no question that Tampa Bay would use the tag to keep Godwin. There is a better candidate for the tag for the Buccaneers so there is a chance that Godwin will actually reach free agency.

A tag would pay Godwin just over $16 million for 2021, a figure that may be a bit rich for the Buccaneers’ blood given the amount of weapons that they already have on the roster. The smarter bet here is that they look to re-sign Godwin before he hits the market.

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