Buccaneers make franchise tag decision, per report
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to use the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin for the second year in a row. Godwin, who recently turned 26, will make $19,179,600 instead of the $18.419 million designated for tagged receivers in 2022. This is due to the Buccaneers' decision to […]
Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to use the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin for the second year in a row.
Godwin, who recently turned 26, will make $19,179,600 instead of the $18.419 million designated for tagged receivers in 2022. This is due to the Buccaneers' decision to tag Godwin last year. Per the NFL's CBA, consecutive tags require either a 120% raise from the year before or whatever the tag numbers is. Whichever number proves to be greater than the other is what the tagged player will make.
I'm no math expert, but I know $19 million is greater than $18 million, therefore, Godwin will make the former in 2022.
Many assumed the Buccaneers would either tag Carlton Davis III or Godwin, with Davis being the leading candidate. Davis was the frontrunner in terms of speculation until ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday there was a 90% chance the Buccaneers would tag Godwin. ESPN's Jenna Laine followed that up Monday by saying the sixth-year receiver is Tampa Bay's top priority when it comes to the tag and she doesn't see a long-term deal getting worked out before the March 8 tag deadline.
The Buccaneers consider Godwin a key cog. One could argue his position is the second-most important behind quarterback. He's also one of the most complete receivers in the game. So, the Bucs' desire to keep him off the market makes sense. However, the Buccaneers aren't in the best cap situation and the franchise tag will make it even worse.
The Buccaneers are now a little more than $20 million over the cap in regard to effective cap space, per Overthecap.com, so it'll be interesting to see what moves are next.
The first thought that comes to mind is to work out a long-term deal for Godwin. But at this point, while it's possible, it's also unclear as to whether or not it'll happen.
Featured image via-Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
