Bucs “Continue To Work” On A Chris Godwin Deal
March 3rd, 2025
Clock ticks.
Before the combine started last week, the Bucs got a two-week extension to get a deal done with wide receiver Chris Godwin that pushed the deadline to sign him and avoid a massive cap hit to March 12.
That just so happens to be the very same day that the free agency dinner bell sounds.
So the reporting yesterday by Dan Graziano of BSPN adds up — the Bucs “continue to work” to get Godwin signed, the long-time BSPN insider typed.
… It’s unclear at this point whether they can reach an agreement, but the hallmark of Tampa Bay’s 2024 free agency was its ability to retain its own, including Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield — so they’re optimistic about their chances of reaching a deal with Godwin.
Yes, the Bucs are optimistic. What is less known is how optimistic the Bucs are that they won’t be signing damaged goods.
Joe did not like the vibe Joe was getting from Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht and Todd Bowles last week in Indianapolis. Both raved about Godwin the person and the player. Both were eager to have Godwin back. Both seemed hesitant and/or depressed when discussing his surgically-repaired ankle.
And that’s the issue right there.
Do the Bucs sign Godwin to, say, an $18 million annual deal without fully knowing if or how well he can run routes and evade defenders?
Can the Bucs sign Godwin to an incentive-laden contract that provides the Bucs a safety net?
Would Godwin’s camp even agree to such a contract? What other teams are out there that are so desperate for a wide receiver they’d risk paying Godwin big money even if he’s damaged goods?
Lot of things for the Bucs to sort through in the next nine days. In seven days, Godwin can talk to other teams.
March 3rd, 2025 at 12:44 am
We get hit with dead cap either way, right?
So would a new contract be on top of the dead cap?
March 3rd, 2025 at 12:50 am
GMs negotiate through the media. The vibes were on purpose.
March 3rd, 2025 at 1:29 am
Buc for life. Bring him back for the long haul. You know what you are getting and it is tough as anyone in this town. Best draft pick to Licht’s credit
March 3rd, 2025 at 2:01 am
Could be ploy to get him cheaper. It’s like buying a car I guess
March 3rd, 2025 at 5:33 am
Joe … ‘Can the Bucs sign Godwin to an incentive-laden contract that provides the Bucs a safety net?’
That’s the key right there Joe. A contract that provides a respectable ‘baseline’ (say maybe $12-$15 mil a year) plus some excellent performance incentives that’d allow Chris to reach his Market Value salary ($22.5 mil currently) if he has a solid Chris Godwin year.
March 3rd, 2025 at 5:39 am
At this stage of Godwin’s career he shpuldn’t be in a hurry to sign anywhere. Just because the dinner bell rings in March, training camps don’t open till July. Plenty of time to have dinner. I think either way, don’t be surprised if we draft a receiver at #19.
March 3rd, 2025 at 7:25 am
@ Buc Bonzai
“We get hit with dead cap either way, right?”
I believe the Bucs will be able to defer @ $11.5M of the nearly $19M of dead cap into future void years if they re-sign him.
March 3rd, 2025 at 7:30 am
The bucs are on the books for an 18 mil cap hit for Godwin anyway so sign him 2 year 32 mil with 18 mil guaranteed.
March 3rd, 2025 at 7:36 am
Does anyone know where he is on the rehab? Jogging yet?
March 3rd, 2025 at 11:17 am
Godwin will get paid. 18 milly wont happen. Some desparate team will open the safe for him. The only thing they are worried about is losing him. Time will tell if he is able to regain form immediately, or take time like it did after the ACL, or if at all. But that doesn’t stop desparate teams to throw money around banking on him.
March 3rd, 2025 at 12:13 pm
Can they for once get it done without gamesmanship in the media? Does Godwin not deserve at least that?
March 3rd, 2025 at 2:00 pm
Ouch Marine.when will we learn how debilitating these massively backlogged contracts are? No good way out of this one. They will have to backload it again. And they have to sign him.
March 3rd, 2025 at 3:07 pm
Trash WR’s are getting $15m-20m/year – with multiple years guaranteed. I’d be shocked if Godwin took such a low-end deal, but I hope the Bucs can pull it off.
March 3rd, 2025 at 4:18 pm
Sign the man. He deserves it even if we overpay a little he’s a tru pro he’s another coach out there. Will be very helpful to younger guys and when he’s healthy he’s a beast. Hes still young. He will heal up.
March 3rd, 2025 at 9:34 pm
Godwin has leverage with that dead money
Interesting to see what happens