How Chris Godwin’s injury might impact his free agency

Chris Godwin might struggle to find a long-term contract in free agency, one year after playing under the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ franchise tag

Chris Godwin was on pace to become the most coveted wide receiver in free agency this offseason, until disaster struck.

Godwin, chosen by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Penn State, tore his ACL against the New Orleans Saints, in Week 15, which could prove devastating to his prospects on the open market.

Because even the most optimistic of timelines to return from a torn ACL are nearly 12 months, there’s a very real possibility that Godwin won’t play a down in 2022.

So, will a team aiming to add a versatile slot receiver who averaged 68 receptions for 928 yards and just under six touchdowns per season through the first five seasons of his career pay a premium to lock Godwin in long-term? Or, might Godwin be forced to sign a minimum deal because of his injury?

Pro Football Focus projects the Buccaneers re-sign Godwin, one year after using the franchise tag to keep him in Tampa Bay in 2021:

"Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Four years, $70 million ($36.5 guaranteed)Godwin suffered a major injury at the worst time, as his stock entering free agency took a bit of a dip when the Bucs receiver tore his ACL. It’s hard to envision Tampa being an appealing option to outside quarterbacks without Godwin on the roster, though. Since 2019, Godwin has recorded a 90.6 receiving grade and has routinely been one of the NFL’s top slot weapons — as both a receiver and a blocker.The Bucs’ cap situation isn’t great, but Tom Brady‘s retirement should help to free up some cap space. If Godwin is unable to play in 2022 or starts the season late, the Bucs could choose to backload his contract to create a low Year 1 cap hit"

Why Chris Godwin’s free agency is a complicated one

This is a crossroads offseason for the Buccaneers in a lot of ways.

Uncertainty at quarterback could limit how attractive Tampa is as a free agent destination, following Tom Brady’s retirement earlier this offseason. Likewise, there’s a very real possibility that 2022 will be Bruce Arians’ final season, before the head coach also retires.

If the Buccaneers pay a premium to retain Godwin, and keep him in an offense alongside Mike Evans, a Tampa return may be in the cards for the former Nittany Lion. However, if Godwin is forced to sign a one-year deal closer to the veteran minimum, it may behoove him to sign elsewhere in an offense with a prolific quarterback to catch passes from in order to cash in in 2023.