Bucs & Chris Godwin Still Negotiating
July 14th, 2021
“Jason, if we do this deal, who else can we get?”
Joe supposes a greedy Bucs fan might think general manager Jason Licht is trying to hammer out a long-term contract with Chris Godwin before tomorrow’s deadline so he can free up enough cash to sign free agent edge rusher Justin Houston by training camp.
What the hell is wrong with being greedy?
The Bucs remain in win-immediately mode and nothing is off Joe’s table when it comes to improving the always-critical pass rush.
Houston is a stud coming off a solid season (8 1/2 sacks including one playoff game). If he’s ring-chasing, Joe is interested.
Godwin was slapped with the franchise tag this year, meaning he’ll play this season for just under $16 million if he and the team can’t hammer out a traditional new contract by tomorrow afternoon.
Conceivably, Godwin could play for $8 million this year on a new deal and, say, a guaranteed $21 million in 2022 and $25 million in 2023.
Hey, it’s Team Glazer’s loot. Joe’s happy to talk about throwing it around.
Godwin wants to be paid like a top No. 1 receiver — because he plays like one. And the going rate is roughly $20 million per season. However, one could argue Godwin has never been tested as a go-to, carry-the-load guy because Mike Evans is that dude for Tampa Bay.
Today, TampaBay.com reported the Bucs and Godwin are still negotiating. Joe’s all for it. Ultimately, locking down Godwin now for 2022 is the right move.
July 14th, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Let’s get it done, Jason….but use the extra money to extend some contracts…Rojo, Cappa, C. Davis, for example…..let’s not leave ourselves totally hanging for next year……we can get it done with what we have.
July 14th, 2021 at 12:30 pm
Forgot Whitehead….
July 14th, 2021 at 12:31 pm
Godwin is worth whatever you pay him. He not only catches the ball he is an incredible blocker and he is young!!! Sign him long term today! He’s not going to get any cheaper!
July 14th, 2021 at 12:58 pm
I have a great deal of trust for Licht and Greenberg. They seem to have good long-term vision.
My guess is they are banking on Trask taking over in the next year or two which will free up a lot of cap space.
July 14th, 2021 at 1:06 pm
If they pull this off right now it’s simply amazing! The Bucs are all gas no brakes and I’m loving it!!!!!
July 14th, 2021 at 1:12 pm
Won’t know unless they give him the chance.
July 14th, 2021 at 1:58 pm
To clarify, Joe has no opinion on whether this will or will not happen by the deadline. Joe will not pretend to know what’s in Godwin’s heart.–Joe
July 14th, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Godwin will be a Buc for a long time and the team will be better off for it. He’s a great WR, a good blocker, a team first player, and a really great guy. No drama! C’mon Jason, you can do this to the benefit of both the organization and player.
July 14th, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Can’t blame the kid and his agent for maximizing the dotted line, this is his moment and with the violence of the game he may never get to the next contract!
July 14th, 2021 at 3:48 pm
Joe- With al due respect—- Why would you say “slapped” with a Tag?
This are the rules right?
July 14th, 2021 at 4:41 pm
I was wondering why there has been no chatter on this subject. Bucs need to extend Godwin, should be #1 priority. With the cap going up he will cost closer to 20 million next year. Evans and Godwin under contract the Bucs will have the best WR core for the foreseeable future.
July 14th, 2021 at 4:52 pm
I like the scenario Joe, would love if that does happen. Staying tuned.
Wonder how opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators would feel about facing a defensive line with Suh, Vea, Pierre, Houston etc. Sleepless nights for them.
July 14th, 2021 at 6:10 pm
I hope someone blinks soon. Thursday is the deadline.
I hope Godwin trades off top-line dollar for guarantees, that way if something ever happens he’ll still walk away from football and live the life of a king. It would also help the salary cap situation as long as he stays healthy.
If there’s enough remaining money, I’d rather see if the Bucs could sign Brian Poole. Poole’s a pretty good slot corner with some versatility.
July 14th, 2021 at 6:13 pm
You guys be living in nfl offseason paradise.
July 14th, 2021 at 7:00 pm
We are around 19 mil under the projected 2022 cap right now. With tons of players unsigned past this season. Sliding Godwin’s cap hit into 22, in order to sign another 1 year vet rental contract, strikes me as monumentally stupid. Even more so considering the already stacked roster for 2021.
July 14th, 2021 at 7:11 pm
Man I would love to see Godwin stay with the Bucs for a long time! Maybe do a Shaq contract that’s good for both if possible???? My only worry on Godwin, since he’s been in BA’s scheme he does a lot of blocking some big boys and has had the injury bug during it as well. I would just hate to see them pay the man and him being hurt all the time. But…. I’m all for having him and Evans Bucs for life and going into the ring of honor in back to back years!
July 14th, 2021 at 10:41 pm
According to Rapoport, “The #Bucs and star WR Chris Godwin are not expected to reach a long-term extension by tomorrow’s deadline, sources say, though the team clearly values Godwin as a core player. They will work to keep him long-term this coming offseason, as they did this past offseason.”
Not good news at all, though Rapoport isn’t as reliable as he used to be.
July 15th, 2021 at 1:37 am
Offer him the same exact contract Mike Evans signed a few years ago!
Pay them the exact same!
It’s perfect!
Come on Chris! Do it for the team!
July 15th, 2021 at 9:09 am
Godwin is one of my favorite Bucs. A complete player in all aspects of the position he plays. He deserves to get paid. If delayed guaranteed compensation gets it done and frees up money for defense depth sounds like a win win situation. He deserves to get paid. Hope he agrees to future money and is protected in case of injury. His combination of speed, hands, physical toughness and blocking ability are pretty rare for a receiver other than an elite tight end. Give him a contract he deserves dammit!
July 15th, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Mike Evans froze his salary for next year so CG would get a fair deal. So, what’s the problem? Godwin and Evans will be even better this year. They are also friends. Who is holding up Licht, the Glazer Boys?
July 15th, 2021 at 4:26 pm
Mike Evans froze his salary this year so CG would be paid what he deserves. Why the holdup? Chris Godwin has a SB ring. He will have plenty of offers from other teams if the Glazers blow it.
July 15th, 2021 at 9:22 pm
Godwin has not earned number one receiver money yet and he is starting to look injury prone since he has missed time two years in a row. If he’s healthy for all 17 this year and puts up pro bowl numbers, then we gotta pay him. Otherwise, we gotta let him go. Don’t be stupid like Dallas Mr. Licht and vastly overpay for an above average, injury prone receiver like Amari.
July 15th, 2021 at 11:52 pm
20 million is too much this year. Just keep him on the tag.
Now, if they say $16m this year guaranteed, I could get behind that. Give him incentives to reach $20m.
July 15th, 2021 at 11:54 pm
I’m also fine with waiting until next off season. Licht always seems to get the deals done just in time.