Godwin's deal runs out in 2024, Evans in 2023. SR has stated his opinion that the Bucs will be able to afford to keep one of those two long term (3 year contract), and let the other walk.
Simple question. If we keep one, who do we keep? Evans or Godwin?
FAB 2. For Bucs, The Decision At WR Will Be Mike Evans OR Chris Godwin
If the Bucs decide to keep Evans and extend his contract for three years or more, that will likely mean that Tampa Bay will have to walk away from Godwin, who will surely command a pay raise over his current $20 million status. Let’s suppose Evans is re-signed for $23 million per year, perhaps giving the Bucs a hometown discount. That would be a $6.5 million raise for Evans....
Now Tampa Bay would be paying $43 million for both receivers during the 2024 season. Right now, the team is paying $36.5 million for both....
“Absolutely, I think other teams have done something similar,” Evans said. “But this is my last time talking about contract situations. I’m looking forward to having a great season this year, and whatever happens, happens. I’ll be alright.” In fact, only one NFL team has two receivers making $20 million per season and that’s the Los Angeles Chargers. Keenan Allen, who is 31, makes $20.025 million, while Mike Williams, who is 29, makes $20 million.
The league’s most expensive duo is actually Seattle’s DK Metcalf, who makes $24 million, and Tyler Lockett, who makes $17.3 million. Metcalf is only 26, while Lockett is 31. The two combine to make $41.3 million.
For me I'd rather a 31 year old Evans to a 29 year old Godwin. Don't get me wrong I am a big fan of Godwin, however that being said while he does have a better catch % than Evans over his career I feel like Godwin doesn't consistently show up in the same way that Evans does. Evans isn't perfect, he drops more than he should but he also consistently puts up the numbers year in and year out. Everyone knows the 1000 year streak Evans has, by comparison Godwin has 3 1000+ seasons. TDs Mike has 4 season with 10+ TDs Godwin 0. Godwin seasons with more than 6 TDs=3 Evans seasons with 6 or more TDs=6. This season alone Godwin and Evans have both been targeted 49 times, Evans has 3 less receptions 70 more yards and 4 more TD's than Godwin. Mike is a big long WR that tend to have longer shelf lives. I think he has 3 more strong seasons in him. Also lets not forget Vincent Jackson took Evans under his wing much the same way Evans did for Godwin. Could totally see Evans passing that knowledge onto another young buck that can take over for him when he decides to hang up his cleats.
Mike is a big long WR that tend to have longer shelf lives. I think he has 3 more strong seasons in him. Also lets not forget Vincent Jackson
Its a tough call for sure and SR mentioned keeping BOTH, but not sure about the longer shelf life part? I was a fan of VJ but I think after his first year with us his production started to drop and basically he did his best to morph into a possession-style receiver, so less long balls, less TDs etc. I recall watching him get run down in the open field.
Evans is one of a kind, a truly special, Randy Moss-like combination of height and speed and he means more to the team then just his production BUT one would expect his speed to fall off and his injuries to increase as he gets older. He's really a special player though so maybe not, but that would be the reasonable expectation for a LONG-STRIDING tall receiver . . . like Jackson
Its a tough call made tougher by Godwin's ability and by the Bucs other contract needs
I'm going with Godwin. It will be tougher and tougher for Evans to play through the hamstring injuries, etc. Godwin has had his injuries as well due to the hits that he takes. I don't see him taking as many hits this year so far for whatever reason. Maybe he's changing the way he plays, or maybe it's the way rules are being enforced about hitting defenseless receivers, or maybe Mayfield isn't throwing the ball to him when he's about to get crushed. Or maybe it's just being lucky for a few games. It just seems like he's steady Eddie, when you need to get something going there's Godwin.
And where was Evans in the second half? They stopped throwing to him. Could be they doubled up on him and not Godwin. Both have the same number of targets so far this year. Let's say it's 3rd and 8 and nothing much has been happening for the offense. Who gets called upon? It's usually Godwin. That doesn't mean you don't need one or two others good wideouts. You can shut down Godwin. He's not AJ Brown. It's a tough call, but I'm taking Godwin if I have to choose for the future between the two.
Easily evans
Only thing we can root for this year is his 1,000 yard streak.
team is ass
