Report: Buccaneers closing in on decision on Chris Godwin's future

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted wide receiver Chris Godwin out of Penn State in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he has been a valuable part of their offense ever since. With the franchise tag deadline nearing on Tuesday afternoon, the Buccaneers are reportedly nearing a decision on the long-term future of Godwin.

According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, Tampa Bay would like to get a long term deal done with Godwin, but if one can’t get done by the franchise tag deadline, the tag is expected to be used for the second consecutive offseason.

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently working on a long term contract for receiver Chris Godwin,” Russini tweeted on Tuesday. “If a deal is not struck between the two sides by 4pm today, expect Tampa Bay to tag him for the second consecutive year, per sources.

“One source: ‘This could come down to the wire.'”

The value for the franchise tag for wide receivers this offseason is roughly $18.4 million, per Pro Football Network. Godwin would have been arguably the second best free agent wide receiver available if he hit the market, behind Green Bay Packers wideout Davante Adams, who is also a candidate to be franchise tagged.

Gdowin tore his ACL late in the Buccaneers’ season

In the Buccaneers’ 9-0 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 15, Godwin suffered a torn ACL that ended his season. He had surgery to repair both his ACL and MCLs on Jan. 3. Prior to his injury, Godwin had 98 receptions for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns this past season. He also had one rushing touchdown.

As a rookie in 2017, Godwin caught 34 passes for 525 yards and a touchdown. During the 2018 season, he upped his production with 59 receptions, 842 yards, and seven touchdowns. Then, Godwin broke out as a star wide receiver for the Buccaneers in 2019. That year, he had 86 catches for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl appearance and being named a second team All-Pro. Last season, Godwin caught 84 passes for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.

If Godwin returns to the Buccaneers, he will do so alongside Mike Evans in what looks likely to be a revamped offense. Tom Brady has retired, Rob Gronkowski’s future is unknown, and Antonio Brown is no longer around. Whether he’s playing on the franchise tag or with a new long-term contract extension, Godwin figures to be a big part of Tampa Bay’s plans next season.