The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' time as one of the best teams in the NFL may be a flash in the pan. They have lots of free agents to sign and will gave a harder time keeping them with Tom Brady's retirement.

One of their key free agents is wide receiver Chris Godwin. He has been a highly reliable option throughout his career but suffered a major setback in December when he tore his ACL. Tampa Bay will look to keep him but they will also have company for the young wide receiver that has recorded two 1,000-yard seasons in the past four years.

Per ESPN's Dexter Fowler, Godwin is making progress on his recovery. The Buccaneers' wideout also said that he is looking forward to being a free agent.

As for where he plays next year, Godwin certainly isn't ruling out a return to the Bucs. They'll be in the mix. But he's also excited about his first foray into the open market. Quarterback play will be important but not the only factor.

Sources said the Bucs see Godwin as a cornerstone and would like to find a way to re-sign him.

There are several landing spots around the NFL that make sense for Godwin. Several teams, especially those with young quarterbacks on star trajectories, make sense a long-term home for the 25-year-old.

Tampa Bay would be wise to prioritize keeping Godwin over other, older players despite his injury. He has the makings of an offensive cornerstone alongside Mike Evans.