BSPN: Bucs Should Shop Chris Godwin
February 23rd, 2023
Please, no.
Joe wouldn’t do this.
But Joe can understand the logic behind it.
Folicly-challenged Billy Barnwell of BSPN is of the mind the Bucs should seriously test the trade waters by dangling stud receiver Chris Godwin and see what fish nibbles.
Barnwell believes Godwin can fetch better draft capital than Mike Evans, and he claims to know the very team that could really use Godwin.
The New York Giants.
… Parting ways with the 27-year-old would free up nearly $9 million in cap room and take a significant earner off the payroll in 2023 and 2024. Godwin wasn’t as effective after returning from a torn ACL last season, and while he should still be in the prime of his career, Tampa should be able to get by with Evans — who would likely end up getting a new deal out of the equation — and Russell Gage at wideout.
The deal would also net the Bucs some useful draft capital. I’m not sure they could expect to land a Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams-sized haul, but a late-first-round pick would hardly be out of the question. The Giants sit at No. 25 and don’t have a significant receiver on the roster for quarterback Daniel Jones. Would trading for Godwin accelerate their offense? I wouldn’t advocate trading Godwin for pennies on the dollar, but Licht should be willing to take calls …
So Joe will look at the cons and the pros to this concept.
The cons would be unloading a valuable, young receiver who could really help a young quarterback develop, whether that is Kyle Trask, Hendon Hooker, Caleb Williams (#CollapseForCaleb) or Drake Maye. Also, you are not a better team without Godwin.
The pros? Well, you start to restock the fridge with draft capital that could also be used to trade up in next year’s draft.
Another pro? Well, Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales is coming from an organization that always developed receivers. And Canales was a major part of that as Seattle’s receivers coach for years.
Canales and Seattle had a serious knack for turning second- and third-day draft picks at receiver into studs.
But damn, Joe would just hate to see Godwin go. Not while he’s still in his 20s.
February 23rd, 2023 at 4:09 am
It’s a no brainer….Godwin’s style of play keeps him injured, you’ll never get $20 million per year out of him. The guy struggles to make it through a complete season. I think we’ll do fine with Evans and Gage while gaining draft capital, this team has too many holes to fill and not enough cap space. WRs can be found in rds 2-4….similar to RBs. I would see if we can package up Godwin and White to get enough capital to make a run for Lamar Jackson
February 23rd, 2023 at 4:16 am
So you want to trade a stud WR who has really only had one major injury, because of his play style, for a qb who’s play style gets himself hurt on a yearly basis without fail now? That makes zero sense. I don’t get why everyone is so gung ho on trading away our best players.
February 23rd, 2023 at 4:19 am
Bobby you are Worried about Godwin’s style of play keeping him injured and you want Lamar Jackson??? Too much money and risk, no thanks.
February 23rd, 2023 at 4:20 am
Godwin was injured a lot because they asked a WR to block like a TE, and took a beating going over the middle. Put him at outside WR.
What would be the cap savings by trading Godwin? It wouldn’t be enough. What draft pick(s) would the Bucs get? Probably not enough. If they got a 3rd Rounder for him, you’d have to HOPE the draft pick would turn out as well as Godwin has. So, no.
February 23rd, 2023 at 4:55 am
Crazy and never happens!!
The only two untouchables on offense are Wirfs and Godwin.
cornerstones to build on.
offseason garbage talk, lets get to free agency and draft please.
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:06 am
I don’t believe believe Godwin’s style of play was the issue. You can’t fault any
receiver for catching any ball within his reach and trying to make something of it.
Part of the blame lies on the route, blocking, and a QB who wants to get the ball out of his hands in 2.5 seconds. All of our top Wr’s have and Gronk have received some vicious hits from tight window throws into coverage.
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:14 am
Billy Barnwell, please put the crack pipe down and slowly back away.
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:16 am
This kind of move, is a culture destroyer.
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:19 am
Joe in Michigan … ‘Godwin was injured a lot because they asked a WR to block like a TE, and took a beating going over the middle. Put him at outside WR.’
B-I-N-G-O!!! Thanks Joe. Chris is a possession receiver (71.5% catch percentage over his 6-year career) & a great blocker. Yes he’s been injured a couple of times, but he’s a warrior & has fought back (his 87 games in 6 years amount to a reasonable 14.5 games per year average; Mike Evans is just a tad over 15 games per year average in his 9 seasons).
If I had to pick a handful of current players to build a new Bucs’ team around, Godwin would be one of those. You don’t trade away proven ‘core players’ and expect to be competitive later. Just think if we’d traded him away to gain picks to move up to draft Jameis Winston.
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:32 am
BSPN is always throwing stuff out there about how small market teams should trade their best talent to major market teams like those in the NE. This applies to the NFL, MLB and NBA. Back in the day Pierre Gammons used to always be throwing out ridiculous trade scenarios small market teams like the Rays and A’s should make with big market teams just to make the big market teams better judging by the return the small market team would get. It is not good journalism but it probably gets BSPN a lot of clicks from those major media markets in the NE like NYC, Philly and Boston. These bozos like Gammons and Barnwell will throw 100 things out there and when one sticks, they and their cronies will pat themselves on the back.
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:33 am
Defense Rules: Agreed. Moves like this in the past are why the Bucs only had 15 (I think it is) winning seasons since 1976.
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:38 am
*14 winning seasons.
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:40 am
Rather trade Gage for.maybe a 5th round pick free up 7.8 mil.
February 23rd, 2023 at 6:17 am
I wonder if any our scouts went to the HBCU combine?
February 23rd, 2023 at 6:19 am
Hopefully the Bucs don’t listen to the morons at ESPN.
February 23rd, 2023 at 6:29 am
That’s the price you pay for making top dollar. I wouldn’t want to do it either but when you’re sitting in the red against the cap you start dangling the guys making the most. Depends on if they think they can win the south with who they have
February 23rd, 2023 at 6:51 am
Love Chris to death but we are going to suck bad with him or w/o him. So no reason whatsoever to not see what they can get for him.
February 23rd, 2023 at 6:54 am
Yet another story about trading away our best players for magic beans. The assumption is that whoever you draft is as good or better than the guy you traded.
Godwin was hurt on a dirty play by one of the dirtiest teams in the league. Now some of you think he’s injury prone? Sheesh.
Think the Titans are better off trading away AJ Brown? That move got Jon Robinson run.
Think the Packers are a better team without Davante Adams?
February 23rd, 2023 at 7:04 am
Not this is a trip, Did you know that in 2023, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the highest percentage of their cap allocated to wide receivers in the NFL? They’re spending a whopping 28.49% of their adjusted cap on six player contracts, which is a big investment.
But here’s the thing: being the team that spends the most on wide receivers doesn’t always guarantee success. The only team to make it to the Super Bowl in the last 15 years while spending the most on wide receivers was the 2020 Kansas City Chiefs. And even they had to trim their budget by trading their top receiver, Tyreek Hill, to free up cap space for other areas of the team.
By reallocating cap dollars to other positions that need improvement, like the offensive line or defense, a team can become more competitive overall. So the Bucs might want to consider making some strategic cuts to their wide receiver budget in order to give themselves the best chance of success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receivers (2023)
Cap Dollars: $64,811,401
Percentage of 2023 Adjusted Cap: 28.49<— Highest in the NFL
(6 Player Contracts)
February 23rd, 2023 at 7:11 am
Win Win
Trading Godwin would free up cap space for the Buccaneers, allowing them to sign other players, especially those whose rookie contracts are expiring soon. Additionally, a good trade deal for Godwin could bring in valuable draft picks, helping the Bucs infuse young talent into their roster at multiple positions. This move could set the team up for success in the long run, improving their financial situation and future prospects.
February 23rd, 2023 at 7:29 am
If you like watching the NFL draft more than NFL football games- trade Godwin.
February 23rd, 2023 at 7:35 am
Maybe now you can have the wideouts (not wideins) do…..wideout things (like not blocking like halfbacks or getting blown up in the middle for 2 yards, still short of the marker by a yard per Left Which’s scheme). Imagine Trask resembling young Brady and having sold half the team for future draft capital? I’m pretty sure working under an incompetent Uncle Rico-type playcaller was a morale killer. The team looked frustrated. All that was missing were leaked locker room squabbles. I think you’ll see a different team this year……too bad Bowles is still here and Brady is gone. What a damned waste of a season running peewee league plays and turning to the sidelines and seeing your head coach smiling, confused after calling for a fake punt in the red zone or not calling TO to try for a 2 min drill with TOM FREAKIN BRADY under center (hey Todd, did you happen to watch the Falcons/Pats Super Bowl?) smh
February 23rd, 2023 at 7:36 am
Offense Total Cap Hit: 2023
Quarterback: $36,613,637.
Running Back: $12,112,198.
Wide Receiver: $64,811,401<-Highest in the NFL
Tight: $9,763,486.
Offensive Line: $54,595,775.
Total Cap Hits: $174,299,501. <–Highest in the NFL
With the total salary cap hit for the Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, and Offensive Line positions being the highest in the NFL, the Bucs need to trim the fat on their offense and reallocate resources.
February 23rd, 2023 at 7:39 am
I agree with you Joe. I do think the Bucs need to go young with their roster and get rid of high priced players 30+ years old, but Godwin needs to be part of the rebuild with Hooker, Maye or Williams throwing it to him.
February 23rd, 2023 at 7:41 am
LUVMYBUCS … Great breakdowns & I agree with your analysis about ‘trimming’. But why Godwin at 26 years old? Evans is 30 now & is a FA next year. Does anyone REALLY believe we can afford to re-sign him in 2024 for the salary that he’ll command?
February 23rd, 2023 at 8:00 am
So ignorant, the way the Bucs to rebuild so bad just so they have something to talk about. The cap hit is to high to shop anyway
February 23rd, 2023 at 8:00 am
You can afford to trade a Davante or Hill when you have a stud QB who can elevate lesser talents but a questionable QB, you’re playing with fire, and people, no matter how much we all want Bowles fired, he wants to keep his job so does Licht, 3-14 will get everyone fired
February 23rd, 2023 at 8:34 am
Nope
February 23rd, 2023 at 8:46 am
If I’m the GM, I’m keeping CG14!! Bowles approach will bring in some lower draft picks!
February 23rd, 2023 at 8:48 am
DR – Appreciate U
Concerning Chris Godwin:
Chris Godwin’s recent history of lower body injuries is certainly a concern, particularly given the physical demands of the wide receiver position, which heavily rely on agility and quickness. Despite being a young player, there is a real risk that these injuries could potentially have long-term implications on his career trajectory.
Concerning Mike’s Situation:
When it comes to Mike’s situation, it’s true that despite his veteran status and impressive resume, he’s unlikely to secure a top-tier contract. This is likely due to a few factors, such as his age and the abundance of talented receivers in the league.
February 23rd, 2023 at 8:58 am
@MadMax
During 2017 offseason and draft season, Not one soul on this board pushed for drafting Chris Godwin, not signing DeSean Jackson, and allocating funds towards signing Calais Campbell more than me.
Always had LUV for the KID
But there’s plenty of day two/three prospects in this draft to help fill that void
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:11 am
We really struggled with him out of the lineup so BSPN thinks we should make that permanent to bolster a more media friendly team. That’s my understanding.
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:19 am
Absolutely!
I would trade him for fair value.
He is a possession receiver and a valuable piece to any team making a post season run, not the Bucs.
Same with ME…
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:23 am
😂 😂
Of course ESPN is going to say trade him to the Giants… Everything is about the New York teams or the patriots or the Cowboys. They’re a pathetic attempt at being a sports news organization
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:23 am
Look at these cap figures…….we will be paying players whether we keep them or not….it’s the price of moving the cap down the road……we won our SB…..it’s time to start righting the ship.
It will hurt but I’d rather get draft picks than let some of these guys walk in FA and get nothing.
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:27 am
Anyone saying trade him… Thank God they have no saying what the team actually does and hopefully they have people with a little more brain power. They need to get rid of some vets, get younger, dump cap.
The whole point is to build towards the future. Godwin is a young, awesome receiver, he is part of the future.
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:33 am
It’s amazing the assumptions made about Hooker and whoever else can be named as a QB picked in the draft. It’s as if these players will just step right in and overcome rookie issues and turn the NFL on its ear. Sorry, each rookie QB has a learning curve. Think, please, before you put out dumb stuff.
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:39 am
Trading Chris Godwin is something that people suggest when they know nothing about our team. It’s idiotic.
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:41 am
Godwin is a player you build around, you do not trade this kind of players….
I get it Giants are a big franchise and TV shows need something to say…..
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:50 am
I would shop Evans, Godwin, David & especially D (lazy ass) Smith & any other older high priced vet. Doesn’t hurt to listen to offers.
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:52 am
Instead of signing Gage and Julio at 16 million and some added cap hit this year. We should develop a 3rd/4th receiver. Also believe Godwin is miscast as permanent
slot receiver. He should be used as an intermediate, deep threat also. Less 5 yard passes and more chunk plays.
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:03 am
THOMAS PFALZ Says:
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:50 am
So, just plan to gut the team of its best players and team leaders, and fan favorites while they’re still productive. I get D. Smith…. Lavonte is a free agent so we can’t shop him. Evans is our best offensive player ever and a HOFer, and still productive. Godwin is what Licht and Bowles refer to a the model Buccaneer. Trading these guys is a plan to lose, cuz we have no replacements. Stupid idea.
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:05 am
Makes no sense to trade Godwin, especially if you are going with a young QB. If the bucs want to trade someone it should be Devin white. Get him outta here while his value is high. No sense in paying him unless he is an absolute stud next year, he’s been too inconsistent for a monster contract.
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:10 am
bob in valrico Says:
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:52 am
Miscast? Seems he was pretty productive — caught over 100 passes there this past year even while recovering from ACL. Made a Pro Bowl a couple years ago while “miscast”…
But to allay these senseless concerns… It sounded like Canales’ plan is to move guys in and out in the formations to find space in the defense, so Evans could be running in the slot depending on a defense and situation. Godwin could. Our 3rd receiver could… There will be more motion. But Godwin and Evans are our starting “outside” receivers in Canales’ offense, though he was reticent to specify roles.
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:10 am
This comment section is taking a giant dump right now…
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:20 am
Think Rays approach to players a cap
Our favorites are more valuable to others 2023 season than ours
It’s a shame to waste their talent on a rebuilding team
If you love someone you must set them free
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:24 am
Evans is on the last yr of his deal & moving him doesn’t make sense (prior to a post June 1 trade)….Godwin has 2yrs on his deal (23-24) & a $23.75M cap # in 23.
Will the Bucs be contenders in either 2023/2024 – if they keep CG thru 2024???
Doubtful, as 23 is a Cap “get healthy” year…And no one should expect Trask and/or whatever low $$ QB that’s brought – in to become instant success out the gate. There’s too many variables & too many holes on the roster to envision the Bucs being a serious SB hopeful.
If the Bucs are not going to be world beaters…(Deep NFC playoff run caliber)…It makes sense to move Godwin for picks…Even with the 2023 cap hit TB would eat in a pre-June1 trade (pre-draft trade) = $15M, moving CG would create $8.75M in 2023 cap savings.
If Licht could get a late 1st & 3rd for CG (AJ Brown to PHI return is the comp)…It makes sense to move him.
FO can backfill in the draft. 2023 draft is deep at WR & as Joe pointed out…Bucs new OC has done good work with Day2/3 WR’s in SEA…Rookie contract WR’s = guys that (hopefully) will develop into serious contributors in a timeframe that better aligns with when Bucs should be entering a new WIN window.
The FO has a ton of holes to fill w/ 26UFA’s…Mike Greenberg & Co. have a major task on their hands to get cap under control & coin to retool the 2023 roster…Some big $$$ Vets may get cut/asked to take less and Trade Options should be considered!!!
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:24 am
@ LUV/DR
I would only trade Godwin if it gave the Bucs enough draft capitol to move into the top five picks of the 2023 draft so we can pick a franchise QB to build around for the future.
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:25 am
Trading Godwin for B. Young would be OK by me…
February 23rd, 2023 at 10:40 am
A big F no!!
February 23rd, 2023 at 11:01 am
By the end of the season, Godwin was back to his old self.
February 23rd, 2023 at 11:13 am
If they sign Mayfield, and he plays well like he did at times in Cleveland, then with Godwin you now have a legitimate shot.
Trading him would be stupid. Draft picks usually do NOT work out. Here’s a guy that is a known commodity that can produce (over 100 catches last year). You don’t trade that guy away, you trade FOR guys like that, with stupid teams.
February 23rd, 2023 at 11:34 am
@ Marine
Godwin’s not on the level as Tyreek Hill
Example(s)
Tyreek Hill Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro Selections
• 2016 – Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro
• 2017 – Pro Bowl
• 2018 – Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro
• 2019 – Pro Bowl
• 2020 – Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro
• 2021 – Pro Bowl
• 2022 – Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro
That’s why Kansas Cities Compensation was so high
Draft Compensation for Tyreek Hill
• 1st Round in 2022
• 2nd Round in 2022
• 4th Round in 2022
• 4th Round in 2023
• 6th Round in 2023
February 23rd, 2023 at 11:36 am
Reasonable Comparable(s)
Stefon Diggs: Traded from the Minnesota Vikings to the Buffalo Bills in 2020
Minnesota’s draft compensation:
• First-round pick (No. 22 overall in 2020) – used to select Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU
• Fifth-round pick (No. 155 overall in 2020) – used to select K.J. Osborn, WR, Miami (FL)
• Sixth-round pick (No. 201 overall in 2020) – used to select Blake Brandel, OT, Oregon State
Brandin Cooks: Traded from the New Orleans Saints to the New England Patriots in 2017
New Orleans’ draft compensation:
• First-round pick (No. 32 overall) – used to select Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin
• Third-round pick (No. 103 overall) – used to select Trey Hendrickson, DE, Florida Atlantic
Sammy Watkins: Traded from the Buffalo Bills to the Los Angeles Rams in 2017
Buffalo’s draft compensation:
• Second-round pick (No. 56 overall) – used to select Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
• E.J. Gaines, CB
February 23rd, 2023 at 11:36 am
Comment of moderation
February 23rd, 2023 at 12:05 pm
@ LUV
I agree.
Unless we could get enough draft capital to move into the top three picks I would not trade Godwin.
Let’s pretend a team (like the Giants) give us their 1st and 3rd round pick. Then we trade pick #19, #25 and #82 to move up to pick #5 or so… I might consider making that move if we could land Stroud or Young.
I agree.
Unless we could get enough draft capital to move into the top three picks I would not trade Godwin.
Let’s pretend a team (like the Giants) give us their 1st and 3rd round pick. Then we trade pick #19, #25 and #82 to move up to pick #5 or so… I might consider making that move if we could land Stroud or Young.
February 23rd, 2023 at 12:06 pm
@ LUV
I agree.
February 23rd, 2023 at 12:09 pm
But…. if the Bucs were offered enough draft picks that would allow them to move up into the top 3-5 picks I would be interested.
Trading Godwin for B. Young or Stroud would be ok with me.
February 23rd, 2023 at 12:34 pm
SasQuatch ,
thanks for making my point for me Godwin made the pr o bowl in 2019 when he had 86 catches for 1333 yards for 15.5 yard average .Also had a career high 9 touchdowns. He averaged around 15 yards a catch for his his first three seasons. Just
think he has a lot to more offer than the 9.8 yards a catch like last year. Thanks
BL.
February 23rd, 2023 at 12:37 pm
Godwin did not look the same last year coming off the ACL. There is a chance he needed the year to get his confidence back, and that he resumes elite play this year. However, I do not know if it is worth the $20 million a year while our team is in flux. By the time we are truly competitive again in 2-3 years, he will be 30+. I totally understand why Licht might think about trading him, so we can shed salary, get younger, and gain draft capital. But the trade would need to be worth it, meaning a late 1st AND another mid-round pick.
February 23rd, 2023 at 12:42 pm
Godwins knee and athleticism will be even better next year. His injury was a direct blow to the knee it wasnt non contact. Maybe his style of play leads to injuries but he isnt injury prone like a beckham
February 23rd, 2023 at 1:06 pm
bob in valrico Says:
February 23rd, 2023 at 12:34 pm
His role in the offense was the same as it has been since 2019 in BA’s first year… His average per reception was down for a variety of reasons. I do agree that one of those reasons was Leftwich, another was ACL recovery.
Regardless, I’m happy they’ll be moving guys around more. Godwin should have another productive year if we mange to get competent QB play.
February 23rd, 2023 at 1:44 pm
Bojim Says:
February 23rd, 2023 at 11:01 am
By the end of the season, Godwin was back to his old self.
_______
Godwin is one of my favorite Bucs, but if memory serves, he was fumbling a lot late in the season.
Something he hasn’t done in a long time.
Back to his old self?
Sure, if you mean his 1st or 2nd seasons.
February 23rd, 2023 at 1:49 pm
DR nailed it.
Also, too many of ya’ll seem to ignore the words of our front office. They like to keep the guys they draft. Big time.
Godwin isn’t going anywhere. Neither is Evans.
February 23rd, 2023 at 1:56 pm
There are two players who aren’t going anywhere. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. So these talking head buffoons can STFU about that.
February 23rd, 2023 at 3:35 pm
Trade away our best offensive weapon?? Not a good strategy to win. While it would be nice to get some more young studs on the team, I do believe CG12 is the best we have so,no, Hell no. Find another way
February 23rd, 2023 at 6:24 pm
@LMB – Great post. Seriously, we do have a ton of money allocated to WRs. If we still had Brady that would make sense. Now? No way
February 23rd, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Esteban85, I believe Tom Brady wore 12. CG14.
February 23rd, 2023 at 9:55 pm
Off-season content filler. CG14 will be CG12 again…with the Bucs.
February 24th, 2023 at 7:25 am
Unfortunately we’re going to have to make tough decisions we’re in salary cap hell. Trading Godwin can help us down the road. His 9.8 yards per reception last year was due to BL and a depleted OL. TB12 had to get the ball out quick.
Me being selfish. I’d like to see Mike finish his career as a Buc. Blow the rest of the offense up I guess.
February 25th, 2023 at 6:33 am
And the winner is!…insert drum roll here…
FortMyersDave Says:
February 23rd, 2023 at 5:32 am
BSPN is always throwing stuff out there about how small market teams should trade their best talent to major market teams like those in the NE. This applies to the NFL, MLB and NBA. Back in the day Pierre Gammons used to always be throwing out ridiculous trade scenarios small market teams like the Rays and A’s should make with big market teams just to make the big market teams better judging by the return the small market team would get. It is not good journalism but it probably gets BSPN a lot of clicks from those major media markets in the NE like NYC, Philly and Boston. These bozos like Gammons and Barnwell will throw 100 things out there and when one sticks, they and their cronies will pat themselves on the back.
You sir, nailed it! And the Joe’s keep playing these bozos game by regurgitating it!
February 25th, 2023 at 7:03 am
BTW Godwins YAC and YPC would have been way higher if we had not been getting him killed with the quick over the middle throws Brady was forced to make by piss poor pass pro.