The Bucs have some very important decisions to make this offseason, starting with the franchise tag. While Jason Licht said Chris Godwin could be a candidate for the tag, they are hopeful they’ll be able to keep the wide receiver on a long term deal. The more likely option is the Bucs placing the franchise tag on cornerback Carlton Davis.

Davis, when healthy, has been one of the better corners in the league. He has locked down opposing receivers such as Davante Adams, Julio Jones, Michael Thomas and Deandre Hopkins. However, he has not played a full season in his four years as a pro. Last season, Davis was limited to just 10 games after suffering a quad injury. Head coach Bruce Arians previously called him a top ten player at the position, when healthy, and echoed those thoughts at the Combine on Monday.

“When he plays 16 games,” Arians said of Davis being a top corner in the league. “That’s been his only hold up because of his injuries. When he’s out there, he’s a hell of a player.”

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Davis was the Bucs second round pick in the 2018 draft at No. 63 overall. Licht has been no stranger in dumping draft picks into the secondary, most recently drafting Antoine Winfield Jr. in the second round in 2020. Licht agrees with Arians’ assessment and hasn’t ruled out any options in regards to using the franchise tag on Davis.

“All options are on the table,” Licht said. “He’s a very good player. We’ve drafted a lot of corners over the years, and he’s been a very good player – when he’s been healthy.”

The 25-year old corner has just six interceptions in his four seasons with the Bucs. However, he does have 52 pass deflections. The lack of splash plays may make it hard for the Bucs to justify paying him top of the market corner salary. But if they do place the franchise tag on him, his 2022 salary would be $17.295 million. The Bucs are hoping to re-sign Davis, but it will be interesting to see if they value him at that number or let him play out the year on the tag and prove he can stay healthy for a full season.