Buccaneers expected to tag Chris Godwin

Teams have until 3pm CT Tuesday to use their tags. This has been the Bucs’ Godwin path for a bit, with both Bruce Arians and Jason Licht indicating Godwin’s importance to their offense. Because he was tagged in 2021, the five-year veteran wideout would earn just more than $19M once he is re-tagged. Once Godwin signs the tender, that amount is fully guaranteed.

This would be a decent consolation for Godwin, who is rehabbing a torn ACL. That said, the tag system interfered with the former third-round pick signing a big-ticket free agency accord before that tear occurred. The Bucs and Godwin were unable to reach an extension agreement by last July’s deadline. They would have until July 15 of this year to finalize another deal. The stakes this year rise, as third franchise tags are not practical under the current system. Absent an extension before that date, the Bucs will risk losing Godwin in 2023.

Godwin, 26, surpassed 1,100 yards despite going down in Week 15. Tampa Bay certainly felt the loss of the impact receiver, after the latest Antonio Brown debacle deprived Tom Brady of two of his top three receivers in the playoffs. Godwin also has a 1,333-yard Pro Bowl season (2019) on his resume, strengthening his negotiating position. The salary cap’s $26M spike — to $208.2M — will embolden tagged players as well. The Bucs’ quarterback plan adds intrigue to this situation, with Godwin running the risk of his numbers plummeting if the team cannot acquire a quality passer this offseason.

A Godwin tag will mean Carlton Davis remaining on track for free agency. The Bucs are hoping to re-sign Ryan Jensen and Alex Cappa, but those two are also a week from being able to speak with other teams. Tampa Bay managed a historic feat last year by bringing back its entire Super Bowl LV core, but the team runs the risk of that group splintering soon.