The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have informed wide receiver Chris Godwin that he will receive the franchise tag, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
A third round draft pick by the Buccaneers in 2017, Godwin worked his way up to a full-time starting role in the 2019 season, as he reached the Pro Bowl and established himself as one of the league’s most consistent wide receivers.
His 74% take-up rate over the past two seasons is the third highest in the NFL, behind only Michael Thomas of New Orleans Saints and Tyler Lockett of Seattle Seahawks, and Godwin’s 0.5% drop rate over the past two seasons is one of the lowest in the NFL. .
Godwin went in to coach Bruce Arians’ big slot receiver role in 2019, finishing that season with 1,333 receiving yards – the third-highest total in the NFL despite missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.
A hamstring injury, concussion, and broken finger forced him to miss four games in 2020, but he finished with four touchdowns in the last three games of the regular season and led the team with 232 receiving yards and one touchdown in the postseason when the Bucs won . Super Bowl LV.
Godwin, who turned 25 in February, may not have breakthrough speed, but his consistency as a route runner and his ability to concentrate on disputed catches make him shine. Quarterback Tom Brady considers Godwin “some of the best hands” he’s ever seen.
He has 244 receptions for 3,540 yards and 24 touchdowns in 58 regular season games in his career.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine contributed to this report.