Chris Godwin's new contract shows why the franchise tag needs to die
Chris Godwin has been nothing but an all-star ever since the Buccaneers drafted him back in 2017. It's not just about what he does on the field, either. The guy, in general, is one of the best human beings one can come across in life. That's why it was such an awesome sight to see […]
Chris Godwin has been nothing but an all-star ever since the Buccaneers drafted him back in 2017. It's not just about what he does on the field, either. The guy, in general, is one of the best human beings one can come across in life.
That's why it was such an awesome sight to see Godwin finally ink a long-term deal with the Buccaneers on Wednesday night. The two parties were able to come to an agreement on a three-year, $60 million deal that includes $40 million at signing.
The deal comes eight days after the Buccaneers slapped Godwin with the franchise tag for the second year in a row. Godwin was set to make a little more than $19 million in 2021, but his new contract now doubles that amount. It's also double the amount of money he's made throughout hisentire career in Tampa Bay.
It's generational money. Godwin and his family are now set for years and years to come. Not only is it deserved, but it's perfect timing, as well. Godwin's new contract arrives just three months after tearing his ACL against the Saints back in December. While he shold be fine and most expect him to be ready for the start of the season, we also know that nothing is guaranteed after that injury.
Imagine if Godwin didn't get his new contract, played under the franchise tag in 2022, and wasn't able to play/produce like he did before the injury. Godwin would then likely go into 2023 free agency with lower chances of inking a deal like this one.
We've seen it before. It even happened as recently to Bud Dupree of the Tennessee Titans. He simply wasn't the guy he was before tearing his ACL in December of 2020. Now, it doesn't mean this is the case going forward, but fortunately for Dupree, he signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the Titans. So, he didn't have to wonder/worry if 2022 would have any impact on his future.
This is just one reason why the NFL needs to abolish the franchise tag. It severely limits players from making what they're truly worth and it can cause players to miss out on a payday that could set them and their families up for the rest of their lives. NFL teams are billionaire, sorry if there isn't much sympathy on this end.
For fans, it's a game. But for these guys, it's their livelihoods and it's also a business. They only have a short window to make as much money as possible. And when a player is both a good person and a good player, they deserve as much as they can get. Players shouldn't have to be limited by the very franchise that they've helped prop up over the course of their career(s).
The best part of Godwin's deal is he'll be up for a new one at the age of 29, which means he'll have one more chance at a huge payday, setting him and his up even more down the road. He shouldn't have to worry about another tag, either.
It doesn't get much better than that. And it's not more deserved, either.
But the point still stands: kill the franchise tag and kill it quick.
Featured image via Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
