This is the reality, and the Buccaneers have yet to find a way to keep the 2020 franchise tag recipient Shaquil Barrett, Ndamukong Suh, Lavonte David and Rob Gronkowski, among others.
“I think I’m in the same boat as many players,” said Godwin. “You want some long-term certainty, you want the team to commit to you too. I think an extension would be ideal, but at the end of the day if the franchise [tag] happens then that’s what i need to do and then we’ll visit again later. I want to be in Tampa, but I also want to get paid at the end of the day. “
Godwin told McAfee he was not naive in his approach to free agency, knowing that the biggest payday could land him with a team in the opposite situation of the Buccaneers, who are entering 2021 and looking to repeat as champions with Brady entering senior year. of its $ 50 million two-year deal. He values happiness more than maximum income, he said, and he knows he will be more than happy in Tampa Bay.
But the Buccaneers will have to figure out how to create space to pay Godwin nearly his market value. Even with a discount in the residence, the financial gymnastics will still become difficult. Holding onto the landing isn’t as easy as fiddling with a calculator, especially in this unique financial landscape.
“The goal is of course to get paid, right? But at the same time I’m not stupid,” said Godwin. “I’m not going to put myself in a situation where I’m going to be miserable for years to come, just for a few extra dollars. I think my luck is paramount in all of this and part of that luck is winning. a bunch of different guys on the offensive side who can make your job a little bit easier but also giving you the best chance of winning is something i think very much about it is a big reason why i want to be here know i my dogs can trust when it’s time to go to war. “
The money comes from several directions. That is guaranteed. But whether the Buccaneers can make an offer competitive enough to get among the best suitors remains to be seen. With the franchise tag window opening Tuesday, the clock has officially started ticking on Godwin’s decision window.