Did Bruce Arians Tip The Bucs’ Hand On Antonio Brown?
February 18th, 2021
Bucco Bruce Arians was talking today.
He held a virtual news conference to plug his Friday night fundraiser to benefit the Arians Family Foundation, which does great work to help children caught in the legal system (not criminals, kids without parents stuck in the foster system or defending their rights while parents are incarcerated, etc.)
Arians didn’t say too much exciting or enlightening, but Joe found a word choice by Arians was very interesting.
Arians talked about the potential of free-agent-to-be Chris Godwin leaving/staying and said, “It’s hard to leave and go to another system just for money. But it’s not bad paying two No. 1 receivers. That’s for sure when they’re as good as our two No. 1s.”
Hearing that, Joe thought, ‘Hey, isn’t Antonio Brown a No. 1 receiver, too?’
Guess who averaged more targets per game played during the Bucs’ regular season, Brown or Godwin? That’s correct. The answer is Brown.
Brown had two playoff touchdowns to Godwin’s one. And Brown caught 75 percent of his targets in the playoffs while Godwin hauled in 50 percent.
For many years, Brown has been considered a No. 1-caliber receiver. Joe doesn’t think that has changed. And while Arians may say it’s hard to leave for another team just for money, Joe suspects that’s exactly what Brown plans to do.
Of course, Brown’s pending civil rape trial is scheduled for December and his accuser already is demanding subpoenas for Bucs officials. Perhaps that situation has stripped Brown’s shot at ever being paid as a No. 1 receiver anywhere.
February 18th, 2021 at 11:55 am
He’s not a #1 WR, He is a role player in a #3 or #4 capacity. Yes he can be a #1 or a #2 but his past behavior now prevents that. He should be happy Brady went to bat for him and he now has a ring.
February 18th, 2021 at 11:57 am
he’ll get a 2 year deal, 4-5 mill a year with heavy incentives on top. CG is gone sad to say. This team will draft DL early this year and then look to start replacing veteran offensive guys in the next 2 years in the draft. Tyler might be a solid slot or #2 by then as well.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Doesn’t Brown have legal troubles coming up now that the season is over? I kinda figured Brown would be suspended again in 2021 and may be signed after by the Bucs mid season again. I don’t see Brown doing the dirty work Godwin did so I don’t see the Bucs letting Godwin go.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:06 pm
Wentz traded to colts
That was obvious
I am only worried about deshaun watson being traded to carolina
There are solid rumors that carolina offering 3 number ones and mccafrey
We just got rid of brees. We dont need this 😂
February 18th, 2021 at 12:08 pm
Why WOULDN’T we franchise Godwin?
February 18th, 2021 at 12:10 pm
I don’t believe Chris Godwin is going anywhere. The Bucs of old let him walk. Not this team. At the minimum, he’ll be franchised until a more favorable salary cap. Hopefully next year. He’s too good and too young to let slip away.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:11 pm
@beeej… may need to franchise shaq again.
seems like there are always plenty of good wrs on the open market and in draft. If brown and godwin go, won’t be the end of the world
February 18th, 2021 at 12:12 pm
If memory service correctly, Evans had a case of the dropsies his sophomore season. No one talks about that anymore. Godwin’s drops this year were far less significant. It was a fluke.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Hopefully Tyler Johnson is getting practiced up as it will likely fall onto his shoulders
Why do we not get Scotty Miller or draft somebody like him just for punt/kick returns?
February 18th, 2021 at 12:15 pm
AB was off all year, prolly from being off for a year. When he’s on, he is one of the best; maybe the best. TB12 knows this; played with him briefly when he was on. Godwin is outstanding; Evans is one of me faves. If Godwin goes for the big contract elsewhere and teh Bucs are “left” with AB and Mike, I’m cool with that. And don’t rule out other WRs wanting to come play with TB12…he’s a magnet for hungry talent.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:17 pm
Franchise godwin if you have to just don’t let him walk he does so much for this team besides catching passes
February 18th, 2021 at 12:20 pm
call me crazy, but I think they franchise Lenny. least cost for the tag and they could do some long term deal with Shaq and/or David
long term meaning 3-4 yrs.
Suh and JPP get one year deals if they stay………they are on the downside and their snap count will decrease as will their compensation. +TB is only here one more year….so they have a 1 yr window for another ring.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:23 pm
I vote franchise Godwin, not Shaq again.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:26 pm
You don’t let Godwin walk for Antonio Brown by any means. Godwin is 24, AB is 32. AB has had off the field, locker room and on field issues. Godwin has not. You reward those that do any and everything asked of them like Godwin has. If you let him walk for AB you’re sending a very clear message. Not that AB has been an issue. But AB doesn’t have anywhere near as clean of a track record as Godwin. I wonder if AB gets any serious long-term big money offers. I don’t see it. Especially from a team not ready to compete for championships. Teams that are ready to compete for championships may be afraid to touch AB. We shall see.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:27 pm
We are already SB champs….I understand and agree with the hysteria on going for two, but we can’t overpay…..We have a life after this, we need to take care about future to…..I wouldn’t stand another 10 years of nothing when this hype is over, and that starts not making stupid contracts, something that happen on our Bucs for decades…..
Youth is important, if veterans ask for a lot of money, just let them go….I love LVD but we can’t overpay, same with playoffs Lenny……Same with Suh…. If they come with moderate aspirations, more than welcome…..Do not overpay veterans……
February 18th, 2021 at 12:31 pm
Why insiders a #1 caliber wr? He was the best we since Jerry Rice
February 18th, 2021 at 12:36 pm
I don’t know anything re. Brown, but I’m willing to bet he NEEDS to make as much money as he can as fast as he can. He doesn’t have the luxury of playing for the love of the game any more.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:47 pm
I wonder why Ju$tin W@Tyson fell off the face of the earth.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:51 pm
Godwin is a stud, I would be surprised if he lands elsewhere this year. My fear is that the significant loss might be Shaq Barrett when a team backs a Brinks Truck up for his skillset. Fournette and AB lesser losses, but I believe the roster will remain largely intact.
February 18th, 2021 at 12:53 pm
CG is the franchise this year…
they’ll sign shaq and stop f’in around with him at this point too…
remember also…
people can alway just be handed a heavy azz briefcase to solve issues off the books…
gang coming back…
and everyone will have a nice new bottega veneta briefcase 🙂
February 18th, 2021 at 12:57 pm
Watson lost Brady’s trust after two picks on those out routes. Imo he didn’t come back to the ball hard enough and was a bit lazy when the ball was in the air. He may get another shot this offseason if we lose Godwin/ab. Would be good to see him pull it together. Has all the physical tools and is ivy league if I recall
February 18th, 2021 at 12:59 pm
@robert
franchising lenny is an interesting though i haven’t entertained…
i’d be surprised if it happens…
salary will be too low to do that…
interesting idea tho because it keeps our running back tandem in tact for another year…
essentially it’s like signing lenny to a one year deal of sorts…
in reality he’s going to want a multi…
so there is a slim possibility if they don’t wanna d*ck around with CG and just pay the man
February 18th, 2021 at 1:01 pm
also it puts both lenny and rojo in a contract year…
they’ll be playing their azzes off…
it’ll be like an audition for both essentially, where at season’s end you let one walk and sign one on for like a 4 year deal
February 18th, 2021 at 1:02 pm
or move on from both if sneak has emerged and you don’t for see rojo or lenny as a long term answer at rb…
#ProblemsLichtHasOnHisPlate #NotMyProblem
February 18th, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Based on the way things are going with the Cap situation if we could keep Gronk, Goodwin, Suh, Shaq, JPP and Succop, I’d consider it a huge win. I would expect AB, Lenny, Stinnie and LVD to be gone due to cap issues. Let’s see what magic Licht can work?
February 18th, 2021 at 1:08 pm
We’ve already saved a ton of money on Shaq–consider what his pay would be were it based upon a guy who gets 19 sacks every year
February 18th, 2021 at 1:08 pm
AB sounds like he’s in a mess…
but i’m pretty sure it can all be pushed back in the system to where he plays the full season…
cases get pushed back…and back…and back…
until the public is bored, tired and loses interest in old news…
then they proceed…that’s the general goal of the defendant’s lawyer…
turn it into a dead case which has as little public interest as possible – then proceed, and proceed quietly…
February 18th, 2021 at 1:12 pm
beej:
he will never get 19 sacks again…
could he get maybe 15 one year?
possibly…
but you can pencil him in for 8-15 per year…
he could average a dozen a year for a next contract…
19 was just wild sheet
February 18th, 2021 at 1:14 pm
AB is 32, and has to get while the getting is good, and how can it be much better then it was this year ?
He will go where the money is, as will Chris Godwin, and Shaq.
We sold our soul to play in and win a Super Bowl at home this year.
It worked, and now reality rears it’s ugly head.
The NFL is set up so one team does not always win, unlike College Football, where Alabama always wins.
February 18th, 2021 at 1:24 pm
Lmao Robert. Crazy wouldnt be the word. They wont franchise a RB and Godwin isnt leaving yet. I’m happy to say. You should be more positive its way more fun being happy to say. Study the cap and position salaries every year and you can have more educated guesses on what’s gona happen.
February 18th, 2021 at 1:24 pm
No Joe, AB is not a #1, certainly not in the Bucs lineup. Arians comments were about Godwin, period.
February 18th, 2021 at 1:25 pm
Little dramatic there aren’t you Chris Apple?
Or do you know all this before anyone else because you live in Brant?
February 18th, 2021 at 1:27 pm
*Brandon
February 18th, 2021 at 1:29 pm
If Godwin leaves, who takes his place? Don’t say Miller, Miller is pretty much an outside receiver. Brown lines up both at the slot and outside. He’s a great backup plan if another team makes an offer Godwin cannot refuse. Sure Brown is 32, but were you expecting to keep him on payroll if he was 27? Brown’s market is limited by his past behavior, if he can be re-signed and stay a good citizen, he’s a helluva backup plan. And I don’t see the market value of Brown past $4 million per season due to his suspensions, conduct and age.
The plan should be to sign Brown for something reasonable. Give AB a preseason with the team, he’ll make a solid contribution next season.
February 18th, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Gut feel is that Brown stays but Godwin walks. Bucs can’t afford to franchise tag him. 1st-time tag for a WR this year is supposedly $16.4 mil; Godwin made $2.3 mil last year so that’s a bump of $14 mil (money that the Bucs probably don’t have with all the other mouths they have to feed).
Brown played for $1.3 mil last season, but I agree with Robert that he’ll probably go for a 2-yr deal here at $4-$5 mil per year. So that’d save us at least $11-$12 mil for each year in comparison to what we’d spend annually for Godwin. In no way are they the same player, but if the Bucs are looking to contend for another SB like they say they are, that $11-$12 mil pays the salaries for a number of other players.
My guess is that Tom Brady can probably work with ‘limited weaponry’ this year if the names include ME13, AB, Scotty, Johnson, Gronk, OJ, RoJo, Vaughn and potentially Brate & Fournette. Plus anyone else of course that we happen to pick up for a good price who wants a crack at the Super Bowl with Tom Brady.
February 18th, 2021 at 2:30 pm
I suspect BA was speaking that mostly out of respect for Buc mainstays.
February 18th, 2021 at 2:47 pm
Franchise Lavonte David because Donovan Smith’s contract is up after this year. Bucs can use that money next year to sign Lavonte to extension. Pay CG and Shaq.
February 18th, 2021 at 2:54 pm
A little wrench to throw into this situation is that maybe Chris would like an opportunity to be the main guy somewhere. Lets face it, his total production took quite a dip this season. Not his fault really.
Maybe he wants a chance to rack up huge yards again. More better chances at probowls and honors. Make his own mark on the league.
Plus he can get more money and everything.
It would be sad to see such a good player go. And he seems like a really good dude too…….But I couldnt blame him if he wanted to go be a bonefided #1 somewhere. And if that happens the Bucs would be in good hands with Antinio Brown on board. Not like AB is just another guy.
February 18th, 2021 at 3:09 pm
Mike Pillozi: Agreed. Godwin is a young Larry Fitzgerald, IMHO.
JimmyJack: I’m perfectly fine with Godwin being the Bucs 1B WR, with Mike Evans being 1A. Godwin doesn’t seem to be a stats guy, just an all around good team player. Those are the type of players the Bucs need to keep.
February 18th, 2021 at 3:10 pm
Robert.. your Damn Crazy!! No way they franchise Lenny!!!
February 18th, 2021 at 3:13 pm
The franchise tag for RB’s in 2020 was a little over $10 million. I wouldn’t give Fournette half of that, let alone use a tag on him that could be used on Shaq or Godwin.
February 18th, 2021 at 3:16 pm
Godwins not worth keeping; many drops. Draft someone. Browns better if available
February 18th, 2021 at 3:18 pm
Fire the cannons-
The two draft options if we lose Godwin to FA are Amon-Ra St. Brown, USC 3rd round projection and Dazz Newsome, UNC 5th round projection. Both got great speed, hands St. Brown looks great after the catch yac runner and Newsome is a really good punt returner. Who would want a Wr named Dazz.
February 18th, 2021 at 3:57 pm
Godwin is expendable and not a huge loss if he leaves.
February 18th, 2021 at 4:14 pm
Joe
Do you really think AB would leave the Tequila Tommy protective cocoon?
February 18th, 2021 at 4:26 pm
The only reason to be leary about Brown is off field antics. Watch is catches, his form is perfect, he knows how to find open space and is fantastic after the catch. The only one better could be Hopkins. I would have no problem picking him over Evan’s or Godwin if he was reliable. He hasn’t played for a season and a half and look what he did when he got the chance.
February 18th, 2021 at 4:52 pm
He talking about Evan and Godwin…not Brown
February 18th, 2021 at 4:59 pm
God gone, n way they pay him. It’s a bad return on investment. These bazillionare wideouts seldom wind up being worth it. Miller and Evans and brown (civil rape withstanding) are more than enough. For Christ sake brady got a 21-3 lead on the colts in the title game. If you want to understand brady’s greatness go look back at the 06 roster. Btw that would’ve been another Superbowl because the bears were a dead duck
February 18th, 2021 at 5:20 pm
Brown would be foolish to leave for money and the team that signs him is monumentally stupid. I think that AB will find little to no market for his services.
Godwin is gone. In 2020 he made 2m. The market for him will be in the 15m range… thats 13m more in a year where the cap is reduced. We cannot afford to pay him that — do the math, there is no way we can pay 30m in just two WR.
February 18th, 2021 at 5:27 pm
This is a complete no brainer to me. Godwin is going to be 25. Antonio Brown is going to be 33. Sign Godwin to a 6 year deal and spread the money out. Brown was a luxury and now he’s going to leave to get paid. They have Johnson and Miller, they’re fine
February 18th, 2021 at 6:07 pm
I will be surprised if any team, Bucs included, sends any cap $$$ AB’s way until his legal issues are resolved and the NFL passes its judgment.
IMO, he was lucky with the Bucs this season.
February 18th, 2021 at 6:08 pm
@Davenport: it could be coachspeak Liar’s Poker, but Arians said he’s OK paying two #1’s.
February 18th, 2021 at 6:18 pm
Bruce Arians was reference on paying two #1 receivers was towards Evans/Godwin NOT AB.
February 18th, 2021 at 6:52 pm
There’s a whole lot of in between that isn’t captured in those stats in the playoffs. Godwin is worth it. I would love to keep Brown too. Brown has some serious giddyup. I noticed on those screens how quickly he hits full speed. He is still a great receiver but a soon to be 25 year old Godwin is a must while Brown is a luxury.
February 18th, 2021 at 7:33 pm
Joe, we’re going to have two Wills on the site? There’s no way this Will thinks that Godwin isn’t worth keeping. I wouldn’t want to spend a ton on him but to say he’s not worth keeping is crazy.
February 18th, 2021 at 7:43 pm
What is with all this crap about keeping CG14 and letting Brown go? Methusaleh12 made Brown look good. ME13 and CG14 were major decoys. Brown is a headcase diva and getting long in the tooth at 32 yo. Keeping him and not Godwin? Licht is much smarter than the comments on here. CG14, LVD and WGholston (I hope) are already coming back.
February 18th, 2021 at 7:53 pm
What about signing Godwin to an extension and then trading him somewhere for a 1st round pick? Is that plausible?
February 18th, 2021 at 8:33 pm
Joe,
Do you think the Bucs will propose an option one year To become free agent? Then the players will have a chance to get larger contract next year when the cap increases.
February 18th, 2021 at 8:45 pm
Explaining the people who say that Godwin is “expendable”:
1) Have no idea what expendable means, and think it means he’s a keeper.
Or
2) Have no idea what you look for in a football player.
February 18th, 2021 at 10:03 pm
Joe,
I agree “expendable” is not a good choice when it comes to Godwins contributions to the team. I would suggest another , more applicable phrase.
Role replacement.
If we lose Godwin is there another player on the roster who could fill his role.
If the answer is no, what are the replacement parameters ie; who could fill the role, where do we aquire said player , free agency , draft, trade and the estimated cost.
A few thoughts, Tyler Johnson is a player who could be able to fill the role. But it’s not proven performance that it’s based on rather potential.
Free agency is going to be loaded with young talented recievers. Lastly, there’s a lot of recievers in the draft.
If you look at not just replacement but an upgrade , finding a slot that can play equally well in zone and man coverage, and is willing to block would upgrade the position.
February 18th, 2021 at 11:09 pm
Keeping Godwin and Brown gives you number one WR depth on the outside with all our great, injury prone WR. That’s how we come back to getting 35 ppg. in 2021.
February 19th, 2021 at 12:12 am
Sign Godwin to two year deal with a little less than average for year one and big bump year two. Same for the other free agents except Shaq who is franchised again. Most will want to stay for another shot at super bowl. These guys love Brady and are tight together. Carve up the money pie between the free agents as fair as possible. Some may walk but most will be very tempted for a second trophy. I don’t know if bonus money counts against the cap but if possible use it to the max to keep the starters signed. Also stretch deals out like Evans is willing to do. AB is expendable unless he is not greedy and takes a prove it deal for next year. He is high risk mentally until he plays a full season clean. Otherwise let him walk. And who knows what solid free agents might what to jump on the superior train.
February 19th, 2021 at 5:33 am
All their free agents will sign a 1 yr deal to try an go for 2 while toms there. Unless they’re greedy an happy with 1 ring.. but ab lenny gronk will all sign 1 yr deals for tom the others should b who knows
February 19th, 2021 at 5:39 am
Like Mccoy said if brady said ‘walk on that water u wont drown’ they believe in tom. He said give me ur jersey # ill get u a ring . Give me ab gronk an lenny ill give u a ring. They trust tom they have faith in tom an to Chase money over a ring especially when tom might only last 1 yr maybe 2. They’ll stay unless they’re not wanted bcuz if they get another ring or close to it then the payday will b even bigger next yr!!
February 19th, 2021 at 9:56 am
Ab was the best receiver on the bucs team. Godwin dropped a lot of important passes.
February 19th, 2021 at 9:57 am
D1: If Godwin leaves, then I agree with your point. My point is I’d rather have him remain a Buc, and bring Tyler Johnson along as a good depth WR.
February 19th, 2021 at 10:08 am
Antono Brown is a #1 receiver regardless if you hate him or not. He can still compete against the elite defenders and I still don’t see who can stop him. Trust me he’s still a threat in every aspect as a receiver. He catch the ball anywhere on the field. I guarantee no team will sleep on AB his presence is felt on the field. All the ppl that’s hating keep it real with yourself AB is a threat if not the best threat on the field he’s not as fast as some of the younger guys but he still gets separation and he damn sure got the better hands. Maybe him and Gronk can debate who hands are better.
February 19th, 2021 at 10:31 am
Its Brady’s team.
He decides whois the #1.
And he already did.
In the most important games- who did Brady throw to?
Brown was considered the best WR in the Nfl, for years.
He went to 7 probowls.
His skills didnt diminish- he went crazy.
Just my Guess- but I think Brady will want Brown more than Godwin.
Brown should also be alot cheaper.
My guess(again), is We keep Brown, and Godwin cashes in elsewhere
February 19th, 2021 at 11:39 am
If the Bucs could resign Ab for half or less than Godwin. I say go for it. Have quality backups. Trade or cut Howard.
February 23rd, 2021 at 9:02 am
Capt. Tim, I’m with you. Let Brady decide. In many ways, he already has. TB is a Ring Maker — and wide receiver whisperer.