The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a lifeline when Tom Brady announced that he will return for his 23rd NFL season.
Without him, it looked like there would be a mass exodus of talent from the Super Bowl LV champions because their leader retired.
Now that the seven-time Super Bowl winner came back, it’s now the Buccaneers’ priority to keep the pieces around him.
However, they might have a problem doing so, as The Athletic’s Greg Auman pointed out.
Could the Bucs tag and trade Chris Godwin? They love him, but they have major cap issues, have oversigned at receiver and can do a ton of re-signing with the $19 million in cap space he takes up if they can’t sign him to a longterm deal. Strong demand for him despite knee injury.
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 16, 2022
Auman tweeted, “Could the Bucs tag and trade Chris Godwin? They love him, but they have major cap issues, have oversigned at receiver, and can do a ton of re-signing with the $19 million in cap space he takes up if they can’t sign him to a long-term deal. Strong demand for him despite a knee injury.”
Despite missing three games, the former Penn State standout finished the season with 98 receptions for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns.
If Brady would have his way, he would like to continue playing with Godwin.
Unfortunately, keeping him might mean that they would lose a player elsewhere, especially because they are $21 million over the 2022 salary cap as of writing.
Letting go of Godwin, as hard as it is, is one of the solutions they can take to lower their cap.
However, they would have to find other ways if they are to give him a long-term deal.
Buccaneers’ Surplus At Wide Receiver
Godwin, Mike Evans, and newly-acquired Russell Gage look to be their starting receivers next season.
But aside from those players, they have eight more receivers on their roster.
Tyler Johnson, Cyril Grayson, and Breshad Perriman are projected to be the second-stringers.
Meanwhile, they still have Scotty Miller, Jaelon Darden, Vyncint Smith, Travis Jonsen, and Austin Watkins Jr.
There’s a strong chance that some of those players will be cut to further reduce Tampa Bay’s cap count.
NEXT: 3 Veterans The Buccaneers Must Retain Now That Tom Brady Is Back
Dianne says
U better not …trade godwin..he’s another security blanket do u want to win or not..thats why. You lost the chance for superbowl cut the crap..I’m a 72 yr old grandmother brady supporter all the way…do your job..fine the money..do a go fund me acct do something Godwin is your man don’t screw it up…