The Buccaneers have several decisions to make about unrestricted free-agents in 2020, but one of the priorities should be locking up a top WR.
We’ve heard plenty about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 2020 offseason in which the organization has several key decisions to make.
The Buccaneers will have to decide what to do with QB Jameis Winston and, should they choose to move on from Winston they’ll have to find a replacement.
In addition to Winston, Tampa Bay has prioritized re-signing the bulk of the front-seven from last year’s team. That includes Shaquil Barrett, Ndamukong Suh and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Though negotiation for these players- and others- will begin soon, one of the top priorities this offseason should be finding a way to lock-up WR Chris Godwin to a long-term extension.
Godwin, a former third-round pick, is slated to become a free-agent following the 2020 season. Spotrac estimates that Godwin will receive around a $13.1 million annual salary once that rookie contract runs out and that market value could very well increase with another solid season this time around.
That’s why it should be a priority for Tampa Bay to find a way to sign Godwin to a long-term extension this offseason.
If the Buccaneers can get Godwin locked up in a new four-year deal, for example, they’ll be making a smart investment as Godwin has the potential to develop into one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Signing him to that long-term deal now would also likely make the total cap hit lower in the long-run than waiting until next season once he has another year under his belt.
While you keep up with updates pertaining to this year’s free-agents, don’t be surprised if we hear something on Godwin in the near future either as the Buccaneers attempt to keep this young core intact.