That’s the reality, and Buccaneers have yet to find a way to keep the 2020 franchise label 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. “Like, you want some long-term security, 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] that’s what happens, so that’s what i have to do and we’ll revisit later. I want to be in Tampa, but at the end of the day I also want to be paid. “
Godwin told McAfee that he was not naive in his free agency approach, understanding that the higher payout could put him with a team on the opposite pole from the Buccaneers, who are entering 2021 committed to repeat themselves as champions with Brady entering the last year of its $ 50 million two-year deal. He values happiness more than maximum income, he said, and knows he will be more than satisfied in Tampa Bay.
But Buccaneers will have to figure out how to make room to pay Godwin close to their market value. Even with a hometown discount, financial gymnastics will still be difficult. Hitting the landing is not as easy as playing with a calculator, especially in this unique financial scenario.
“The goal is obviously 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 a few years, just for a few extra dollars. I think my happiness is fundamental in all of this and part of that happiness is winning. I’m seriously thinking about having a lot of different guys on the offensive side that can make your job a little easier, but also give you the best chance of winning. It’s a big reason why I want to be here. I know that I can trust my dogs when it’s time to go to battle. “
The money will come from several directions. This is guaranteed. But whether Buccaneers can produce an offer competitive enough to fall among the main suitors, remains to be seen. With the franchise tag window opening Tuesday, the clock officially started to count in Godwin’s decision window.