NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Grading every NFL player given the franchise tag in 2022 offseason

By Khari Demos

NFL Free Agency; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Free Agency; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the first half against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 8
Next
NFL
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 09: Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers carries the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

WR Chris Godwin — Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I feel like Godwin is the poster child for what the tag is all about. After setting a career-high with 98 receptions, to go along with 1,103 yards and five touchdowns, the Penn State product went down with a torn ACL in Week 15 against New Orleans.

The Bucs are in a unique spot with Godwin, as they still look to work out a long-term deal with him. Although a highly productive player — Godwin has had at least 800 receiving yards in each of the last four seasons, including two 1,100-plus yard campaigns — the soon-to-be sixth-year pro has had injury issues. Since the start of 2019, Godwin has missed 11 games of action (including the playoffs).

That’s something to take note of when you’re playing opposite an ironman like Mike Evans (three missed games since 2018, all during the ‘19 season). The two make one of the best one-two punch tandems at wideout in the league, and this move makes sure whoever Tom Brady’s replacement has big-time players to throw to.

Grade: A

Home/NFL