Report: Buccaneers could use franchise tag on WR Chris Godwin again

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used the franchise tag last year to retain the services of one-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin. Godwin seemed well on track to earn a massive payday via a long-term deal until he went down with a torn ACL and an MCL injury on Dec. 19, but Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports the Buccaneers are prepared to once again tag Godwin by Tuesday's deadline if the sides don't come to terms on a contract. 

The deadline for teams to sign franchise-tagged players is July 15. 

Per ESPN stats, Godwin finished the regular season leading all Tampa Bay players with 98 catches, 127 targets, and 1,103 receiving yards. The 26-year-old also recorded five receiving touchdowns. 

PFT's Myles Simmons explained Godwin would be set to earn $19.18 million if he plays on the franchise tag for the 2022 campaign. Of course, Godwin's status for Week 1 of the upcoming season coming off the injury and his January surgery is up in the air at this early stage of his recovery. 

The Cleveland Browns, who placed the franchise tag on tight end David Njoku earlier on Monday, were linked with Godwin ahead of the weekend, as the AFC North club is expected to target multiple big-name weapons for quarterback Baker Mayfield before and during the NFL Draft. It appears, however, Godwin won't be available for Cleveland or other teams when free agency officially opens on March 16.