One doubtlessly vital free-agent huge receiver is likely to be off the board weeks earlier than free company begins.
On Wednesday, NFL.com reported that Bucs huge receiver Chris Godwin, who can be an unrestricted free agent in March, agreed with the group to set a brand new date for when his contract formally voids.
In accordance with NFL.com, Godwin’s contract was initially set to void on Feb. 17, however the two sides prolonged the deadline to March 12, the beginning of the 2025 league 12 months.
“The adjustment provides the Buccaneers and Godwin extra time to work on a possible new deal,” NFL.com reported.
Godwin suffered a season-ending decrease leg damage in Week 7 towards the Ravens in 2024. Earlier than his damage, Godwin had 50 receptions, 576 yards and 5 touchdowns. His 82.3 receiving yards per recreation have been his most since 2019 (95.2 receiving yards per recreation).
Together with fellow wideout Mike Evans, Godwin provides Tampa Bay one of many league’s greatest 1-2 punches on the receiver place.
Whereas extending Godwin’s deadline doesn’t suggest his return to Tampa is a completed deal, it is a constructive signal that the 2 events are working collectively to finish the contract.
If Godwin does not hit the open market, that can be one other hit to a weak huge receiver free-agent class. The Bengals plan to use the franchise tag to receiver Tee Higgins, arguably the most effective participant who was set to succeed in free company this offseason.
The highest choices are getting old veterans, together with Amari Cooper, 31, Stefon Diggs, 32, and Keenan Allen and DeAndre Hopkins, 33.
49ers huge receiver Deebo Samuel, 29, will probably vault to the highest of the record if he is minimize by San Francisco, which ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano expects to occur after the six-year veteran requested a commerce.
“From a cap standpoint, [the 49ers] actually cannot commerce him,” wrote Graziano.
“The 49ers would tackle $31.55 million in useless cash cap chargers for 2025 in the event that they traded Samuel,” Graziano elaborated.
Samuel ought to command strong curiosity from huge receiver-needy groups. With Godwin doubtlessly off the desk, Tampa Bay most likely will not be considered one of them.
