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Chris Godwin prefers to stay in Tampa and prefers a long-term contract. He may not get both.
Buccaneers want to keep Godwin.
The best way for Bucs to maintain the receiver is to apply the franchise brand.
“Yes, I mean, the way I see things, it’s similar to a lot of guys,” Godwin told MJ Acosta of NFL Media. “Obviously, we all want long-term security; we all want to be able to take care of the people we love. So this is the ideal situation. But, you know, a franchise brand is not something I can control. If this is what keeps me here, then this is it. And I’m going to play with it and go back to war with my boys. Like I said, I love it here in Tampa. I love what we build and would love to stay. “
Teams have until March 9 to designate the franchise players. The Bucs scored the Shaquil Barrett pass rusher last year and could mark it again this year.
Godwin, a third round pick in 2019, promised on Wednesday not to put himself in a miserable situation for a few extra dollars. Still, if the Bucs don’t tag you, Godwin can make more money elsewhere.
Godwin, 25, won $ 4.65 million with his newbie contract. The recipient franchise label is $ 16.4 million for 2021.