Table of Contents
About the Author: Matt Matera
Latest Bucs Headlines
It took forever, but the Bucs have finally re-signed wide receiver Chris Godwin to a long-term deal. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Godwin is signing a 3-year, $60 million contract with $40 million guaranteed. The Bucs are using void years to lessen Godwin’s 2022 cap hit. According to several reports, Godwin’s cap hit this year will be just $5 million.
Buccaneers’ franchise player Chris Godwin reached agreement on a 3-year, $60 million deal that includes $40 million fully guaranteed at signing, sources tell ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2022
Things looked bleak with Godwin’s contract last week. The Bucs had a whole year to come to a deal, and it took every last second to get it done. Tampa Bay was forced to use the franchise tag on Godwin last week in order to keep him off the market. The Pro Bowler’s asking price ended up being well above most projections, as the rising wide receiver market complicated negotiations.
Outside of finding a quarterback (welcome back, Tom Brady!), re-signing Godwin was Tampa Bay’s No. 1 priority. It goes without question that Godwin is the receiver that sets the tempo for the offense. He finished last year with 98 catches for 1,103 yards and five receiving touchdown, along with one rushing touchdown in 14 games.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Tampa Bay placed the franchise tag on Godwin before the start of last season too. He was well on his way to earning a huge deal in 2021, leading the Bucs in catches. Godwin was on a torrid pace towards the end of the regular season, putting up numbers such as 15 catches and 10 catches in his last two games.
But a devastating torn ACL on Sunday Night Football against the Saints ended Godwin’s season prematurely. He still had seven catches in that game before exiting early. Despite the injury, the Bucs have made their affinity for Godwin obvious this offseason. Jason Licht went as far to say at the NFL Combine that he “couldn’t imagine” the Bucs’ offense without Godwin
Now he doesn’t have to. With Godwin returning, the Bucs keep their dynamic receiving duo intact with he and Mike Evans. You can make a case that they are the best 1-2 punch at receiver in the league. Amidst a wild offseason in Tampa Bay, this is a huge step in the right direction.
