The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a huge move on Tuesday to keep star wide receiver Chris Godwin off the open market. According to NFL insider Rick Stroud, the Buccaneers are placing the franchise tag on Godwin for the second year in a row, keeping him in Tampa for another go-around.
Bucs will use the franchise player tag on Chris Godwin for a second straight year. Give him 120 percent of his 2021 salary or $19.18 million.
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 8, 2022
Because this is the second consecutive season Godwin will be tagged, he will make 120% of his salary from the 2021 campaign. Thus, Godwin will earn a healthy $19.18 million in 2022.
The Buccaneers got the deal in just ahead of the franchise tag deadline. There's still reason to believe a long-term deal will get done between both sides, as they now have more time to negotiate an extension with Godwin safely signed under the franchise tag.
Godwin suffered a torn ACL last season after a tough hit from PJ Williams of the New Orleans Saints, the nature of which some considered to be dirty. The 26-year-old is expected to be available for the start of the 2022 season, though it's not confirmed that he'll be fully ready to go by Week 1.
Last year, Godwin recorded 98 receptions, 1,103 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns across 14 games, enjoying one of his best statistical seasons to date. Of course, that was with Tom Brady throwing him the football. The Buccaneers still have some key decisions to make at quarterback, which could impact Godwin's future with the team.
For now, at least, Godwin is locked up for another year, and the one-time Pro Bowler will be paid handsomely after a stellar 2021 season.
Follow Us
Subscribe