Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin Says There’s ‘Mutual Interest’ In Long-Term Deal

At minicamp on Tuesday, Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin said there is interest on both sides for a long-term deal to keep him in Tampa Bay. 

“I think the good thing is there’s mutual interest on both sides,” Godwin said via Rick Stroud. “…one of the things I’m happiest about is I’m able to be here this year…I get to be here and try to go back with my guys.”

Godwin was franchise-tagged by the Buccaneers this offseason and has already signed the tender. This locks in Godwin’s 2021 salary at $15.983 million fully guaranteed. 

The two sides have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal or Godwin will play out the 2021 season on the tag. 

Godwin also previously expressed an interest in staying with the Buccaneers. But ultimately, securing that major second contract is high up on his list of priorities. 

“Hey, that’s the damn goal. You know what I mean? Is to get paid and being able to take care of my family,” he told Pat McAfee, per Stroud.

Godwin, 25, is a former third-round pick by the Buccaneers in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Penn State. He played out the final year of his four-year, $3.2 million rookie contract and was in line to be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career when Tampa Bay used the franchise tag on him. 

In 2020, Godwin appeared in 12 games for the Buccaneers and caught 65 passes for 840 yards receiving and seven touchdowns.

We’ll have more on the Buccaneers and Godwin as the news is available.