Two prime WR options set for franchise tags
Both the Giants and the Jets are expected to try to add a high-end wide receiver this offseason, but their options narrowed Tuesday as the market continues to evolve at that position.
The Buccaneers informed wideout Chris Godwin that they intend to use the franchise tag on him, according to multiple reports. That removes one of the top receivers from the free-agent pool.
The Bears also will place the franchise tag on star wide receiver Allen Robinson, according to multiple reports.
Lions receiver Kenny Golladay should still be available, however, because Detroit is not expected to use the tag on him, according to NFL Network.
The 27-year-old Golladay appeared in just five games last season for Detroit due to a hip injury. He finished with 20 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns. The previous year, however, he averaged 18.3 yards per catch, with 65 receptions for 1,190 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Godwin, 25, totaled 65 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 regular-season games last year, before adding 16 more catches from Tom Brady during the Buccaneers’ march to a Super Bowl title.
Godwin, who is slated to make a projected $15.8 million if he signs the franchise tag, said last month he expected the move and likely will accept it.
“I’m not going to put myself in a situation where I’m going to be miserable for some years to come just for a couple extra dollars,” Godwin said. “I think my happiness is paramount in all of this, and part of that happiness is winning.”
Robinson is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Bears, doing so with a combination of Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles at quarterback. The 27-year-old will return to Chicago after signing a three-year, $42 million contract in 2018.
Other free-agent receivers this offseason include JuJu Smith-Schuster, T.Y. Hilton, Will Fuller, Marvin Jones and Corey Davis.