Chris Godwin Rumors: Buccaneers Have Yet to Determine WR's Franchise-Tag Status

Chris Godwin's franchise-tag status has not been 100 percent determined, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports. 

The news comes after USA Today's Tyler Dragon reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were expected to tag the star wide receiver before Tuesday's deadline, preventing him from becoming a free agent. 

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Bucs head coach Bruce Arians said at last week's NFL combine that placing the tag on Godwin was a possibility. However, he also said he would love to get the veteran locked up to a long-term deal. 

“Chris is so valuable to what we do, and obviously we really, really want him back,” Arians said.

Godwin played the 2021 season on the franchise tag and could make around $19.2 million during the 2022 season if he's tagged again, according to ProFootballTalk's Myles Simmons. 

The Buccaneers selected Godwin in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft, and he's been a staple in the lineup ever since. His best season came during the 2019 campaign, when he caught 86 passes for 1,333 yards and nine touchdowns in 14 games. 

The 26-year-old also had an impressive 2021 season, catching 98 passes for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. However, he suffered a torn ACL and MCL late in the season and underwent surgery, which could cause him to miss the start of the 2022 campaign. 

If Godwin remains with the Bucs, he'll continue to be a significant piece in the team's offense alongside Mike Evans. However, if he somehow becomes a free agent, he'll be one of the hottest names on the market alongside Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, assuming Adams isn't franchise-tagged.  

The Bucs fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round last season before Tom Brady retired, leaving them with an uncertain future.