One of several big names scheduled to hit free agency on the Buccaneers is wide receiver Chris Godwin. While last season’s champions will have to make several tough decisions on which players to keep and let go, it appears Godwin will be one of their priorities. 
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the Bucs “have high interest in re-signing Godwin”. That would certainly be a worthwhile investment, considering his production so far in his career. Even in 14 games in 2021, the 25-year-old posted 98 catches for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns – already his second 1,000 yard campaign.
Godwin suffered a torn ACL in December, ending his season. Especially after Antonio Brown‘s departure from the team, his absence was felt in the Bucs’ passing attack. Fortunately, the surgery he had to repair the knee, performed earlier in January, was successful, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Even if some teams are cautious making free agent offers due to the injury, Godwin would likely see a large market if he tests the waters. After playing on the franchise tag (set at $15.9MM) in 2021, a second tag would raise that number to just over $19MM if the Bucs decided to go that route. Instead, Fowler predicts “a sweet-spot deal that acknowledges the high-end market while protecting the team” as the ultimate outcome if he stays in Tampa.
Of course, much of Godwin’s plans will likely hinge on whether or not Tom Brady decides to return; even if he does, Godwin might still have the opportunity to be this year’s top wide receiver (with the potential exception of Davante Adams). He will therefore be central to the Bucs’ offseason, which will itself be one of the most intriguing around the league.
Regardless of quarterback, Evans and a healthy Godwin make up a top-5 duo.
Who’s a better duo?
Mike Evans and Antonio Brown
AB isn’t even on the team and when fit and healthy Godwin is better
Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf
Meh
Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb
Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen
Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods
Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis
No
No shade, but Well, if they had Drew Lock….. probably not.
If Brady leaves who do they go after in FA Or the draft?
Bridgewater? Dalton? Tribisky? Winston?
Or Howell? Ridder? Pickett? Willis?
Maybe get both a veteran and a young guy. Have them both learn the offence and compete. CPA space will be at a premium tho.
Rodgers
Back in the 2020 offseason, Bucs ranked the following QBs…
1) Brady
2) Bridgewater
3) Winston
Would be interesting if they go into this offseason with a similar ranking.
The Bucs did use a second round pick to draft Kyle Trask. He ran a vertical offense in college which is the type of offense the Arians likes to run. Would be interest if Trask is given the job.
Patriots will make an offer. Watch.