Bill Polian: Don’t Franchise Tag Chris Godwin
March 3rd, 2021
Chris Godwin
The Buccaneers have six more days to pick a pending free agent on their roster to slap with the franchise tag, essentially locking him up in Tampa for one more season.
The candidates are well known, and Chris Godwin and Shaq Barrett top the list.
Hall of Fame general manager Bill Polian, a good friend of Bucco Bruce Arians, knows exactly how he would approach those Bucs superstars. And he kindly laid it out on SiriusXM NFL Radio this week with co-host Alex Marvez.
Polian admitted feeling a little uncomfortable treading on the turf of Super Bowl general manager Jason Licht, but hey, that’s what Polian is paid to do.
“Try to get a long-term deal with Godwin and give a little on the negotiations,” Polian said. “I hate to farm Jason’s land, but give a little on the negotiations if you could because, you know, he’s a long-term guy, young, etc. But if you lose him, if the money gets out of the range that you believe you can pay, you don’t tag him because you’ve got [Antonio Brown] that you can bring back at a reasonable amount of money.
“And A.B. doesn’t have a big market anyway. And he wants to be with Tom and he wants to get another ring if he can. So I would think that they feel pretty good about that and then they would go ahead and tag Shaq if they had to.”
Polian went on to say he knows Arians is well aware that pass rushers are harder to come by than receivers, and Polian interpreted Arians’ post-season remarks to mean that he values Shaq more than Godwin.
Joe admits to feeling queasy at the thought of giving furniture-tossing, bicycle-disrespecting Antonio Brown strong money ($20 million over two years?) and letting Godwin walk away.
The Bucs took a small gamble on Brown last season and they hit the jackpot. But in a 2021 without Godwin, that gamble would get a hell of a lot larger, and Brown has a pending civil trial for rape in December.
How bout this, which rarely is mentioned because it’s not very dramatic: franchise Ryan Succop and sign Godwin and Shaq to long-term deals, freeing up 2021 cap room to lock up more in-house free agents.
Enjoy today’s Ira Kaufman Podcast, presented by Bill Currie Ford.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:37 pm
I love Godwin, but we simply can’t afford him. Let him test the free agent waters. If he doesn’t want to give us a “hometown discount” to stick around, sign AB.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:39 pm
Why on earth would you want to franchise a kicker when you don’t have to? Give him a nice raise and he’ll sign. Save the tag for players with more value in terms of actual snaps.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:40 pm
report from garofolo today saying lavonte could be gone. it would suck but i would be fine with it if we get these guys. getting succop is critical too. we could always find another kicker but given our history we just need to overpay for this and maintain a good kicker. he was money and clutch in the playoffs.
we can then draft a linebacker to plug with white but keeping our d-line intact is much better.
i am also not sure how this gets impacted due to the change the nfl made for compensatory picks for minority hires but given i dont expect bucs to sign many free agents from other teams and we could lose some, we may be able to score some compensatory picks. the beauty of being a playoff (actually nevermind) SUPERBOWL winner! i love saying that.
doesnt matter what happens in the offseason we are the defending champions and will always be remembered in history as one of the best teams alive and greatest stories ever. truly amazing.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:42 pm
We simply don’t have replacements for Shaq and Lavonte … replacing Godwin would be much easier, with Miller and T. Johnson already on board (let alone Howard and Gronk) and AB available for much less than Godwin (and less than $10m/year like Joe suggests … he’s not getting that much). Hate to lose Godwin, but we gotta make tough choices.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:42 pm
Everyone talks about having AB if the Bucs lose Godwin but how do people feel about AB’s trial being in December of this year? Presumably when the Bucs should be playing to win the division/clinch a playoff spot?
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:44 pm
Its going to be absolutley crazy when you see the #’s and talent on the open market… and we have Brady who can lure anyone. It will be interesting to see what happens. I’dhate to see Godwin and Lvd go… but Tom can recruit really good help at really low prices.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:47 pm
Here is the lies from polian … it’s not up to Arians. It’s up to Brady’s and licht. Arians moved out of the way mid season.
First he says keeps Godwin long term then. ..
Polian went on to say he knows Arians is well aware that pass rushers are harder to come by than receivers, and Polian interpreted Arians’ post-season remarks to mean that he values Shaq more than Godwin.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:49 pm
Been hearing Lavonte is probably going to hit free agency unfortunately
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Last time I checked…courts aren’t in session on Sundays……
AB should be OK……his attorneys will probably get it postponed.
Nobody wants to lose Godwin….. make him a good offer…..if he rejects….franchise him and possibly trade him.
I think we need to do the same with Shaq…..if Godwin signs, then you have the franchise option with Shaq….
The timing is complicated because you probably have to be negotiating with both players simultaneously.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:52 pm
Bucs won’t sign AB until it’s more clear about his legal bs. AB will be a mid season addition.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:52 pm
Miken … Spot on.
“The spoils go to the victor.” FAs are going to get cut around the NFL. This year more than most years. So make Tampa THE DESTINATION …
Letting Shaq/Godwin get majorly paid by another team shows FAs the potential they have to make money by joining TB12 in Tampa.
March 3rd, 2021 at 4:58 pm
TBbucfan It was already postponed a year so he could play this season. I know the court isn’t in session on Sunday’s but details from the case will inevitably get out during the trial and given the nature of the suit the spot light will be on the Bucs organization and AB during a very important time in the season. Let’s say he’s found guilty then the Bucs will need to cut him right before the playoffs. And this whole time he will still need to be on his best behavior throughout. I just don’t have that kind of trust in AB.
I can tolerate him being the 3rd receiver on the team. I don’t trust him beyond that role.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:00 pm
I don’t think Antonio Brown is going to pull down a two year contract for $20 million. I’d be surprised if he got offered more than half that amount. There might be a suspension coming, and too many GMs will worry about getting burnt due to his stints in Oakland and Pittsburgh. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to keep Brown, but I think the market for his services is tepid.
In terms of tagging Godwin, Polian is full of free advice. You get what you pay for.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:05 pm
This is the same idiot that said to let Michael Bennett walk and didn’t put him in his top 150 free agents that year… no idea why anyone takes him seriously, he’s just a guy living off his name and pays zero attention to anything anymore.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:07 pm
Mitch, remember it is a civil trial. He has not been charged with criminal sexual assault. It’s also a different legal standard, “preponderance of the evidence” (50.1%) versus “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:10 pm
Tagging WRs is dumb. They’re all replaceable with today’s rules and a top QB.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:11 pm
I love Godwin. My wife loves Godwin. He has played phenomenally for us and I hope to God we keep him….
…but I’m always reticent about #2s jumping ship to be a #1 somewhere else. There’s a lot of history of it not working out well. (Peerless Price, Bert Emanuel, Alvin Harper).
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:16 pm
Polian is dead on.
Tag Shaq and work out a 4 year deal.
Let Godwin chase the money if he wants
Give AB a contract that expires when Brady’s extension does
We don’t need another WR at $15m
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:18 pm
ADAM! the kids on here wont remember Alvin Harper but we do. A good #2 is usually just that. Its buyer beware on Godwin.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:19 pm
..the present,2021, no matter how you tweak it is going to be good, we will be contender. keeping a set of players vs another set of players, the difference is not going to be tremendous.
… as things are today JL can not commit to a long distance future… reason: TB12.
there is one venue, slim possibility to happen, TB12 to be committed long term as a coach as well. that to me is VERY exited dream, turning TB12 = TBC, that means going after young players in FA.
As of now CG14 is gone, ShB may follow as well…..logically.
..but everything can happen…there are so many good players out there..
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:19 pm
Again, the team has $148m in cap space next year, they can sign everyone they want to keep so long as the Glazers OK laying out a ton of cash over the next 15 months or so.
They should keep everyone they want, it’s easy to structure in a way that makes them able to fit everyone in this year and next year and give yourself 2-year, or maybe even 3-years before you enter ‘cap hell’.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:29 pm
I wouldn’t put all my hopes on Brown. He has some hearings coming up, I believe, and who knows how that will all come out. I agree that the ideal situation is to lock up Shaq long term. Godwin is too good to allow to walk, if he is in the 15 mil. range, unless it comes down to a choice between Godwin and David. Then I have to say, sign David over Godwin. As Coach A said…this team will find a way to score points.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:30 pm
Alvin Harper was a one trick deep ball pony – comparing him to Godwin is ridiculous. Godwin is not Mike Evans, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a legit #1 for at least 25 other teams.
Also with Godwin, he’ll only be 25 this season – and he’s the type of receiver that should age well. I’d be perfectly fine with giving him a 6-year deal, just backload it (you have to guarantee a bunch of money to make it happen, but they can do that).
To me, Godwin reminds me a ton of Keenan McCardell, he’s a similar type of player, and McCardell played and was productive until he was 35. Is it impossible that Godwin is a top WR for another decade still? Maybe.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:32 pm
It’s pathetic how fans say they’re ok with letting Lavonte walk and give Shaq “break the bank” money. That’s what the overrated guys say when they start to lag after they’ve gotten the big check. Godwin said he’d play his heart out if he got tagged. Shaq might be average without Suh, Lavonte, and possibly JPP gone after next year cus we couldn’t afford to get him back. I thought Brady proved it to everyone but guys in their early 30’s is not old anymore. LVD and JPP had prime time Super Bowl winning seasons.
Sorry Bucs fans but if you want both LVD and Suh gone you can kiss that number one run defense away.
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Joe when can we expect some deals to be made it seems like free agency is awful close and we haven’t done anything?
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:52 pm
Sign Shaq and CG ? Isn’t that next to impossible to come up with enough cash for that ? Or does that mean letting LVD and Suh go ?
March 3rd, 2021 at 5:58 pm
Right now our draft is wide-a$$ open…….I strongly suspect that we will draft depending on our FA exits…
If we lose Godwin…..a WR makes sense…..LVD, a LB….Suh a DT, Shaq….Edge.
If we lose some of these guys to high salaries we will be due comp picks which will help us to move up.
As for AB…..much will depend on Godwin….and there may be a FA #2 receiver brought in or a draft pick….
I think the risk is worth it for AB….at least for a large part of the season…..but he needs to be our #3 receiver……there are also usually injuries to deal with.
He’s good….likes Brady & vice-versa….probably affordable….go for it.
I also agree that we will be contenders no matter who we lose…..but I would be much more confident if we keep our defense together. I think our offense will be very strong, regardless.
March 3rd, 2021 at 6:05 pm
Shut up Bill.
March 3rd, 2021 at 6:06 pm
Based on the cap space available in 2022 and 2023, the team needs to keep Godwin and Shaq and David, and they can afford to do so. Basically the team should keep everyone except Lenny – that’s a position where I think other teams are going to be willing to pay more than the Bucs will and Rojo is better player in any case (just need to pair with 3rd down back).
As for AB, I’m assuming his market is going to be pretty small and thus he’ll be fairly affordable. Now I could be wrong, if there are other teams that are willing to pay him like a #2 WR, then he’s gone. You can’t pay AB $10m a year and then say no to Godwin at $15.8m, that would make no sense. But I’m thinking AB might only command something closer to $5m-7m since I don’t think teams will be willing to put a lot of money into him. Again, I could be wrong, it only takes on GM to say they’ll give him $10m-12m, and if AB is on his best behavior, he’ll be worth it since he’s not washed up.
But if AB, lets say comes in at $6m, the Bucs absolutely need to keep him. If they think they’re going to lose Godwin, then they should pay him a lot more. Scotty Miller is not a legit #2 WR, not even close, he’s at best a #3 home run hitter and ideally a #4 who doesn’t offer much else. Tyler Johnson might end up being a solid #2, but it’s too early to know.
March 3rd, 2021 at 6:16 pm
If David left, I was thinking Kwon Alexander might be a good, very cheap, replacement, but he had an achilles injury in December. I believe he was a fast healer, but even if that’s the case it would mean missing the entire offseason I think, and having to learn a new defense since he didn’t play in this scheme here. So you can’t make any plans for him, but if we hit training camp, and Kwon is close to healthy, he’d be a guy that would likely just be a vet min salary with huge upside. Just something to keep in the back of your mind.
March 3rd, 2021 at 6:38 pm
Rod … “Again, the team has $148m in cap space next year, they can sign everyone they want to keep so long as the Glazers OK laying out a ton of cash over the next 15 months or so.”
The $148 mil in CAP space next year is pretty much meaningless at this point Rod. Bucs have a grand total of 27 players under contract for 2022 & only 14 of them were starters (7) or key rotational players (7) this past year. And the majority of those (10) are players still on their rookie contract. The only high $$$ contracts we have currently for 2022 are ME13 ($18.4 mil), Marpet ($11.8 mil), White ($9.5 mil) & Brate ($6.8 mil).
Put another way, that $148 mil in 2022 CAP space has to cover probably about 30 players, and included in that would be contracts for around 15-18 starters plus a number of key rotational players. Starting to smell like a rebuilding year, isn’t it.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:00 pm
I saw Evans bond on the field much more quickly and productively than Godwin. And before the season started, I thought the Brady/Godwin combo was going to be like Brady-Moss. Looking ahead…we’ll see.
AB will be a monster this year. The year off really dogged AB and Gronk for the first half. Watch them start off strongly next season.
I’d love to see Godwin stay. Regardless, that ball is going through the end zone next season more than Biden votes at 2AM!
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:00 pm
It’s either Godwin or AB but not both. Tag Shaq and draft an edge rusher and LB. Bucs need to follow the patriot way and let Lavonte walk if someone offers him lots of money. Succop is a must sign. Can’t afford to lose a reliable kicker.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:06 pm
Godwin- 6 year deal
Shaq- 4 year deal
LVD – 4 year deal
Succop franchised is a good idea.
Maybe I’m delusional but I think they can sign all 3 of them by back loading the contracts a little because the cap is going to skyrocket next year.
PLUS
extend Brady, extend Smith, restructure Evans,… They can easily come up with another 8 to 10 mil doing that.
On top of that, hypothetically-
would Shaq go to
Cleveland for 18 mil MINUS 8% state/city tax
Vs
Staying in Tampa for 15.5 mil?
The difference ends up being 1 million.
That’s a lot but not as much as it seems. Plus with the chance to repeat and keep the team together and stay with the team that gave you your shot to start… I would think these things factor in
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:09 pm
Rod Munch ?????
1. LVD is retiring a Buc
2. Kwon??? He was already here, proves to be injury prone and is basically a poor man’s, very poor man’s, version of LVD. No chance in hell. Major downgrade
Sign LVD to 4 years, back load it, and let him retire a buccaneer.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:12 pm
TampaBayBucfan
Free agency definitely will play a part but no matter what, they need D line and linebacker. Even if they sign LVD back, the only good back up they have is Minter and he’s a free agent. The D line has some age on it with JPP, Suh and Gholston.
I expect D line and LB within the first 3 picks, and an O lineman in the top four. If Godwin leaves, then yes may be a receiver. If not that other pick in the top 4 is pretty wide-open.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:15 pm
Let Godwin and Shaq go! Sign David and Brown, offer Riddick or Van Noy a one year prove it deal. Draft a OLB and WR problem solved. Then sign Gronk, Suh, Succop and whom ever else you need.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:18 pm
I like Joe’s idea. Having said that if I had to lose one – it would be Godwin.
IMO you win with great defense – ask Rich Gannon, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. Godwin didn’t do anything that couldn’t be replaced and his renowned hands were a little sloppy. Try winning any of this year’s playoff games without Shaq. I don’t think you beat anybody other than Washington.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:28 pm
I get that you win with the defense… But… Brady wants his weapons and he likes Godwin. And Godwin is just turning 25. They need to sign him to a long term deal.
JOE
Gronk is going to come back for cheap and Brate and OJ are under contract. As much as I still think OJ could explode in this offense, either Brate or OJ has to go. What do they save if they cut OJ or better yet, trade him?
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:36 pm
Joe, I think you’ve had too many big storm beers when you start talking about franchising a kicker
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:38 pm
I just looked it up.
Brate is due about 7 million this year and next the becomes UFA
OJ is due 6 mill this year then UFA.
Ideally they would keep Brate, he’s been more reliable, and trade OJ.
But… because of the salary cap, I think they trade Brate and restructure/resign OJ into a four year deal. They could probably get away with 3 million on him next year. A “prove you can stay on the field type deal.”
Brady could turn him into a superstar if he stays healthy
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Between restructuring Evans, extending Brady another year, restructuring Donovan Smith, possibly Gulston, and doing what I said above with trading Brate and resigning OJ… That could be another 20 million under the
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:50 pm
David – I hope David is back, a 4-year deal works for me, since even if it’s a year too long, that 4-year should be the Bucs ‘cap hell’ / rebuild year anyways.
As for Kwon, he was not known as being injury plagued – his only significant injury he had while here was when he blew out his ACL, and he returned back from that early. Additionally, as I said, I’m saying he’s someone to keep in mind if the Bucs love David AND he’s healthy by the time camp starts since he’d be a vet min signing.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:53 pm
Let Lavonte walk, Linebacker is the most plug and play position on defense, have to value Shaq over LVD since money appears to be tight.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:55 pm
David needs to be resigned because he should retire a buc and literally there is no comparable replacement in FA this year. The closest would actually be a healthy Kwon because he has the ability to cover. Avery Williamson is the second best FA ILB and he is a liability in pass coverage.
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:56 pm
David – Brate is $6.5m, at least that’s the number I’ve seen everywhere, and OJ is $6m. Also OJ is on his rookie deal, as far as I know those deals can not be renegotiated. You can extend him, but I don’t think you can move the money around, so it’s $6m or he’s cut.
If OJ is healthy or expected to be healthy, I’m keeping him at that price since he’s a legit #1 option, again, if healthy. Brate is a #2 who can’t block, if something happened to Gronk the Bucs would be in a ton of trouble if it was Brate who was expected to step into that top role of catching and blocking.
OJ was looking really good when he got hurt, but again, his injury history is a legit concern, that would be the only reason to move on from him.
I think if Brate is willing to go down to like $4m again, you bring him back and likely try to trade OJ if you can get anything for him – or release him. Then again if you release OJ, I think then you can sign a new deal at a lower salary (I think, the rules on rookie deals are different). But I have a feeling another team will be more than willing to take a flyer on OJ since his upside is so huge and he’s been very productive, when healthy.
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Defense Rules – When you have $148m, which will likely be more like $168m or higher with the new TV deal, you can do whatever you want. Good teams make the cap do whatever they want, loser teams and bad coaches/GM, like Jon Gruden, scream about ‘cap hell’ to cover their idiotic decisions like cutting John Lynch and letting Warren Sapp go while giving Charley Garner $5m (a lot at the time) and Ellis Wyms a big deal, and Ian Gold a big deal, and signing every injured 30+ offensive lineman available.
The Bucs have a 2-3 year window, you can backload everything by using guarantees.
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:11 pm
It would be a slap in the face to shaq tagging him twice in a row…extend shaq if its reasonable and tag chris
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:19 pm
AB might not be better than Chris Godwin , but even at 32-33-34years old , he seems to be more valuable to the Bucs than Godwin. AB is a freak of nature that is way ahead of his age . He can embarrass WR that are 10 years younger than him . See Juju Smith-schuster
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:20 pm
I meant to say CB !!!!!! I
Might have had a few adult beverages !!!
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:21 pm
You’re right …. that’s why shaq Barrett can let go. Right? Last time I check he is a LB. hahaha
tbbucs3 Says:
March 3rd, 2021 at 7:53 pm
Let Lavonte walk, Linebacker is the most plug and play position on defense, have to value Shaq over LVD since money appears to be tight.
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:31 pm
We really need Shaqs pass rushing, LVDs pass coverage and Godwin’s blocking and receiving skills. Hopefully Licht will find a way.
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:51 pm
damn…
on another note, i just saw jj watt was give the blessing by the family of a retired player for the cardinals to wear number 99…
that’s very cool and all, but i think he should respect the game and not sport that number…
a retired number is just that, retired…and the man has since passed on as well…
gotta respect the game…
just a thought…
unless maybe he cut the fam a humongo check on the low ?
March 3rd, 2021 at 8:51 pm
given*
March 3rd, 2021 at 9:18 pm
Agree @Adam – if a number is retired….. that # is not worn again….
March 3rd, 2021 at 9:19 pm
Adrnagy
Dont act like everybody doesnt know the difference between a 4-3 linebacker and an OLB who rushes the passer. It’s 2 completely different positions.
March 3rd, 2021 at 9:53 pm
To your point. David is has important LB as Barrett , Dont act like everybody doesnt know the difference
March 3rd, 2021 at 9:59 pm
Shaq over Godwin is a fair argument. I have Godwin over Shaq in my personal opinion but I wouldn’t wager anything on me calling this right. Pass rushers are definitely important. It’s a tough call. I think LVD comes in third place though. I’m afraid he may end up going elsewhere and it just feels like LVD should never wear another jersey. The business side stinks sometimes.
March 3rd, 2021 at 10:05 pm
Licht will sign both Shaq (requirement) and Godwin (Brady knows he needs GW) AB is a wild card luxury.
March 3rd, 2021 at 10:12 pm
LVD is the casualty in my prediction. Shaq and Godwin will get the new contracts.
March 3rd, 2021 at 11:22 pm
It would be weird if d. Smith is traded or release.
Report: Bucs Met Virtually With First Round-Caliber OT Teven Jenkins
March 3rd, 2021 at 11:45 pm
Adrnagy
Nope, the general rule in football is that a great pass rush beats great pass coverage 9 times out of 10.
Explain why the only bad game of Pat Mahomes career was when he was getting hit in the mouth by the Bucs pass rush all game?
LVD has been a Bucs since 2013 and the defense wasnt worth a dam until Shaq and JPP arrived. I guess your OK with experimenting with guys like Robert Ayers, Carl Nassib and Noah Spence again. Elite pass rushers dont grow on trees.
March 3rd, 2021 at 11:51 pm
I guess …. David shutting down kelce didn’t matter. Or bunting and the boys in the back end shutting down hill and others didn’t count neither. And everything change when suh arrived.
Once again I’ll repeat. Ppl are sprung over shaq. 1 yr and he has you dripping.
Remember your defensive Bucs back in the early 2000. It was not one and two like you saying(shaq and jpp) It was sapp in the interior. With great LB in brooks to follow.
March 3rd, 2021 at 11:53 pm
And just to clarify. Shaq ain’t elite.
March 3rd, 2021 at 11:57 pm
Let me tell you what elite pass rusher are …
Khalil Mack
Tj watt
Joey boss
Myles garret
Von Miller
Jpp
Shaq fall into “ I need help “ category to get to the QB ,lol
March 3rd, 2021 at 11:59 pm
Where do you get those numbers for Antonio Brown? H3ll no, I wouldn’t give him 10 mil per year. He has no leverage, and a half season of good behavior isn’t enough. I’d give him 5 million per year at best. Frankly, I don’t think he’s a necessary fall back even if we do lose Godwin. We have Tyler Johnson and Scotty Miller and a room full of TEs we can afford if Godwin leaves.
March 4th, 2021 at 12:04 am
^ Saying Shaq isnt elite is just absurd after the run he just had in the playoffs on the biggest stage.
NFL sack leader in year 1 as a starter and a dominant post season preformance in year 2 as a starter.
If thats not elite I dont know what is.
March 4th, 2021 at 12:37 am
You will never hear this from 1 Buc Pl. but the most important free agents to bring back are David Suh Gronk and Succop. We can replace Shaq and Godwin
March 4th, 2021 at 12:44 am
Shaq’s quarterback hits and sacks were down this year But tackles for loss and QB pressures were not, he was #2 in all four combined. He’s #2 overall over the last two years in those four combined.
People who keep trying to act like he is not one of the elite pass rushers in the NFL just show their football ignorance.
This team has been searching for a pass rush since Simeon Rice left. There is no way in hell they can let him walk. JPP and Suh are getting older
March 4th, 2021 at 12:50 am
Rod Munch …
I agree that OJ was looking damn good at the beginning of the year. If they can put him on a four year deal and not take a 6 million hit from him this year, then do it. You said you don’t think they can restructure this year, that sucks.
Brate is due almost 7 this coming year and a little over 7 the following year, and he’ll be 33 when it’s over.
All signs point to them trading one of them and restructuring the other. I’m just not sure which way they save the most cap room. I know they probably get more bang for their buck trading OJ just because age.
March 4th, 2021 at 3:04 am
I read quite a few comments here stating that some media folks are saying that David is likely to hit free agency? Geez, I hope not since I think that he is more important to us than Godwin, but I wouldn’t pay him stupid $ either. No linebacker in the upcoming draft is as good as David, but there are a few with the potential to be. I used to love free agency! Now? Not so much.
March 4th, 2021 at 8:18 am
Man, I got on this thread way to late. Franchise Succop?! Seriously?! Joe, I am usually in tune with you. But that is a crazy idea for so many reasons.
IF you are going to use the tag, why waste it on Succop? He turns 35 this summer. The cost to resign him would be minimal ($4MM+/- over 2 years?), especially compared to Godwin and Shaq – the two that are going to be very tough to come to a mutual agreement on.
March 5th, 2021 at 7:33 am
Who was the last really good WR we have drafted and resigned other than Mike Evans? Who? Humphrey was nice not a game changer like Godwin is. If you don’t double Humphrey not a big deal, you don’t double Godwin you get beat. Resign Godwin! He has earned it. If we do not sign him we will regret that decision, and if some NFC South team beside us get him look out.