Buccaneers make final decision about franchise tagging WR Chris Godwin ahead of deadline
The Buccaneers won't place the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin for a third time, as it would trigger a 144% salary increase—an expense they can't afford with their limited cap space.
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Chris Godwin (Image via IMAGO)
Chris Godwin has been among the more consistent performers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since entering the league back in 2017. He was scheduled to enter free agency on February 17, 2025, but it was extended to March 12 to discuss improved negotiations.
The Buccaneers recently revealed that they think very highly of Godwin and want to keep the Pro Bowler around for many more years.
Hopefully, we can come to an agreement with him because Chris means the world to this organization, to all of us individually, but as an organization as a whole.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said during the NFL Combine
One offer is off the table. The Buccaneers have now renounced the idea of adding a franchise tag on Godwin. As per ESPN’s Jenna Laine, the Buccaneers will not tag Chris Godwin for the third time.
Tomorrow at 4 p.m. is the NFL’s deadline for the franchise/transition tag. I’ve reported this previously, but the Bucs will NOT be using it on Chris Godwin as it would be his third time being tagged and it would result in a 144% raise.
Jenna Laine wrote
Tomorrow at 4 p.m. is the NFL’s deadline for the franchise/transition tag. I’ve reported this previously, but the Bucs will NOT be using it on Chris Godwin as it would be his third time being tagged and it would result in a 144% raise.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 3, 2025
Buccaneers could move on from Chris Godwin despite harboring high praise for the wide receiver
Godwin is among the old guard who won the franchise’s second-ever Super Bowl in 2020. Last season, he looked good in patches until he dislocated his ankle and missed the rest of the year.
His absence was felt massively during the Buccaneers’ playoff exit against the Washington Commanders, despite quarterback Baker Mayfield’s efforts. Godwin is on the path to recovery and will soon be available for off-season training once they sort out the contract situation.
Head coach Todd Bowles is a big fan of the Penn State graduate and will be thrilled to have him back for another year.
If there was anybody on the team I thought could come back from an injury that I would pick, that I would bet on, it would be him. Because his work ethic, his confidence, the way he attacks treatment, the way he tries every day to be the best he could be… He’s probably the best at it on our team.
Todd Bowles said via Reuters
Now the issue is, if the Buccaneers don’t tag Godwin, then he will most likely enter free agency, making it easy for other teams to give him a new contract. His projected value is a little more than $22.5 million/year.
The Buccaneers cap space is among the lowest in the league, with just $5.7 million. Prioritizing newer blood over bringing back aging players should be the focus for the team from Tampa Bay.
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