NFL Rumors: 'No Chance' Chris Godwin Gets Franchise Tagged amid Contract Buzz

If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep veteran wideout Chris Godwin this offseason, it won't be through the use of the franchise tag.

According to ESPN's Jenna Laine, "While sources told ESPN that the Bucs very much want Godwin back and they'll do what it takes to make this happen, it won't be on a franchise tag. They used the tag as a placeholder the last time Godwin was a free agent (in 2022), and they used it on him in 2021, so this would be his third time being tagged—therefore it would have to be a 144 percent raise, and I'm told there is 'no chance' of that happening. They'll do what it takes to re-sign him as a free agent."

Godwin, 28, was having a strong 2024 season (50 catches for 576 yards and five scores in seven games) before it was cut short due to a dislocated ankle. That ended a three-year streak of 1,000-yard seasons for Godwin, who has hit that particular benchmark four times in his career.

The Buccaneers would surely prefer to keep the one-two punch of Mike Evans and Godwin intact for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has thrived since signing with Tampa Bay ahead of the 2023 campaign. Just don't expect them to use the franchise tag to do it.