Chris Godwin

Godwin signed his franchise tender Wednesday morning, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Analysis: This means Godwin is officially under contract and can be fined if he holds out from training camp or games. In other words, the wideout knows it won't come down to that, figuring he'll sign a long-term contract or else play out 2021 under a franchise tag for $15.9 million. The second option typically would be undesirable for a player of Godwin's caliber, but it makes more some sense this offseason, with the wideout coming off an injury-marred campaign and the market for free agents impacted by the salary cap dip.

Godwin is getting a franchise tag, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Godwin has already acknowledged this possibility and stated that he'll play out 2021 under the franchise tag if he doesn't get a new contract. Both parties likely prefer a long-term agreement, but that it doesn't necessarily mean it will be easy to agree on specifics before the negotiation deadline, which usually is set at July 15. Either way, Godwin won't be a free agent this offseason.

Godwin recently indicated he'd be willing to play the 2021 season under the franchise tag if necessary, which seems to be "where things are headed" between him and the Buccaneers, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The fifth-year veteran would earn a salary in the neighborhood of $16.5 million for 2021 if he ultimately played under the tag, a figure that undoubtedly helps make the situation palatable as a trade-off for the longer-term security of a multi-year deal. In Godwin's case, Laine notes the plan is to keep the Penn State product on the roster for many seasons into the future anyhow, so the 25-year-old seems to have little exposure if he does operate under a one-year deal this coming season. Further clarity on Godwin's 2021 contract situation will be gleaned in coming days, as the deadline for teams to apply the franchise tag for next season is Tuesday.

Godwin secured two of four targets for nine yards during the Buccaneers' 31-9 win over the Chiefs in Super Bowl LV on Sunday.

Analysis: Godwin had a disappointing conclusion to his 2020 season and postseason from an individual perspective, but the fourth-year wideout undeniably played a pivotal role in the team's championship run. Godwin secured 65 of 84 targets for 840 yards and seven touchdowns over 12 games, quickly developing rapport with Tom Brady and also generating a 5-110 line during the NFC Championship Game win over the Packers. However, the Penn State product is a pending unrestricted free agent, and his 2021 status will undoubtedly be the subject of heavy scrutiny in coming weeks ahead of the start of the new league year in March.

Godwin secured five of nine targets for 110 yards and rushed once for six yards in the Buccaneers' 31-26 win over the Packers in Sunday's NFC Championship Game.

Analysis: Godwin's receptions, receiving yards and targets paced the Buccaneers on the afternoon, and his one carry, which came on third down with 48 seconds remaining, ensured Tampa Bay would become the first team in NFL history to play a Super Bowl in its home stadium. The fourth-year wideout also had a team-high 52-yard grab early in the second quarter a play prior Leonard Fournette's 20-yard touchdown rush that opened the scoring for Tampa Bay, and he made a clutch 11-yard grab on a key fourth-quarter drive that culminated in a Ryan Succop field goal which extended the lead back to eight points. Godwin certainly did his part to step up in the absence of Antonio Brown (knee), and he'll look to once again play a prominent role irrespective of his teammate's availability in Super Bowl LV on Sunday, Feb. 7.

Godwin (quadriceps) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Green Bay, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Godwin, Mike Evans and Antonio Brown (knee) were all listed on the injury report this week, but only Brown (ruled out) has a designation for the NFC Championship Game. The Bucs have Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson on hand for WR depth behind the formidable duo of Godwin and Evans.

Godwin (quadriceps) practiced in a limited capacity Thursday, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.

Analysis: Like Mike Evans (knee), Godwin's practice reps are being managed this week with an eye toward being cleared for Sunday's NFC Championship Game in Green Bay. The Buccaneers may make such a decision evident upon the release of Friday's injury report.

Godwin (hip/quad) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's practice estimate.

Analysis: As was fellow wide receiver Mike Evans (knee), but it's quite plausible that the duo's listed limitations are simply indicative of rep management. Both players were listed as limited last Wednesday as well before finishing up the practice week in advance of the team's divisional-round win over the Saints minus injury designations.

Godwin brought in four of seven targets for 34 yards in the Buccaneers' 30-20 divisional-round win over the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: It was a relatively quiet day for the Buccaneers' air attack, which had been hitting on all cylinders in the latter stages of the regular season and in last week's wild-card win over Washington. Therefore, Godwin's catch total actually tied for second highest on the evening for Tampa Bay, but his yardage tally served as his lowest since Week 14 and his second lowest of the regular season and postseason overall. Godwin will hope to bounce back in nex Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Packers in Lambeau Field, although weather conditions could certainly make it an uphill battle for the passing game.

Godwin (hip/quadriceps) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday's NFC divisional-round matchup against the Saints.

Analysis: Godwin had his practice reps managed due to a pair of injuries this week, beginning with two limited sessions and then sitting out entirely Friday, but there's no reason to believe he'll deal with any significant limitations Sunday. With Mike Evans (knee) also having been cleared to suit up in New Orleans, the Buccaneers' receiving corps will be at full strength.

Godwin (hip/quadriceps) was a limited practice participant Thursday, John DeShazier of the Saints' official site reports.

Analysis: With no indication either of his injuries is serious, Godwin should be ready for Sunday's game in New Orleans. The Saints limited him to nine catches for 120 yards on 13 targets in two regular-season matchups, but Godwin enters Sunday with a four-game TD streak.

Godwin (hip/quad) was a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Analysis: Bogged down by injuries during the first half of the season, Godwin has been in a groove of late, scoring TDs in four consecutive contests. During that stretch, he's compiled a 19-332-5 line on 33 targets. Godwin is tending to a pair of issues this week, but the fact he got in some reps on the field Wednesday likely indicates he's trending in the right direction. Ultimately, Friday's practice report may clear up his status entirely for Sunday's divisional-round game at New Orleans.

Godwin brought in five of 12 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 31-23 wild-card win over Washington on Saturday night.

Analysis: As the pedestrian catch rate implies, Godwin had some uncharacteristic struggles with drops Saturday, but he worked around them enough to still turn in a solid line fantasy-wise. His longest catch of the night resulted in a touchdown, with Godwin recording a 27-yard scoring grab early in the second quarter to extend Tampa Bay's lead to 15-7 at the time. Godwin will look to continue to clean up the shaky hands and up his efficiency in a divisional-round matchup next weekend.

Godwin brought in five of seven targets for 133 yards and two touchdowns in the Buccaneers' 44-27 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: With fellow wideout Mike Evans going down for good in the first quarter with a knee injury, Godwin and Antonio Brown (14 targets) were the beneficiaries of some extra attention from Tom Brady. Godwin ultimately recorded six fewer catches than his speedy teammate, but he compiled just five fewer yards thanks in large part to a game-high 47-yard reception. The 26.6 yards per grab Godwin put up was easily a season high, and he's now tallied four touchdowns in the last three games. Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports Evans will soon undergo an MRI, so whether Godwin may have to operate as the de facto No. 1 receiver in a first-round playoff game against either the Giants or Washington next weekend.

Godwin secured five of nine targets for 84 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 47-7 win over the Lions on Saturday.

Analysis: Godwin got in on the fun during the Tom Brady's and the Buccaneers record-setting first half, recording a seven-yard touchdown grab in the latter portion of the second quarter. The fourth-year wideout was second in receptions, receiving yards and targets to Mike Evans, and the 24-year-old has now scored in three of his last five contests. Godwin will look to put together a strong finish to his regular season and tune up for a postseason where he'll undoubtedly be expected to play a major role in a Week 17 divisional battle versus the Falcons.

Godwin secured four of five targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in the Buccaneers' 31-27 win over the Falcons on Sunday. He also committed a fumble but it was recovered by the Bucs.

Analysis: Godwin took a back seat to fellow wideouts Mike Evans and Antonio Brown in the passing game hierarchy, with the duo seeing a combined 14 targets and parlaying them into an 11-203-1 line. Godwin's production was meager by comparison, but his four-yard touchdown grab late in the third quarter boosted his day from a fantasy perspective. The fourth-year pro has just 61 total yards over his last two games, so he'll look to up his numbers at the expense of the vulnerable Lions secondary in a Week 16 Saturday afternoon matchup.

Godwin secured two of three targets for 25 yards in the Buccaneers' 26-14 win over the Vikings on Sunday.

Analysis: Godwin was able to suit up for his first game since having the pins in his surgically repaired index finger, but he played a very minor role on a day when Tom Brady put the ball up a season-low 23 times. The Penn State product's catch and yardage tallies were season-low figures, but he'll look to revert to his usual numbers in a favorable Week 15 road divisional matchup against the Falcons.

Godwin (finger) practiced fully Thursday.

Analysis: After not practicing at all Wednesday, Godwin handled every rep one day later. Meanwhile, Mike Evans (hamstring) downgraded from limited to no activity during that span. Evans gutted through injuries early on this season before putting together a lengthy spell without any health concerns, so his status could impact the rest of the Buccaneers' receiving corps. Friday's injury report may clear up whether Godwin is poised for more targets than usual.

Godwin (finger) didn't practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Godwin wasn't seen at the portion of the session open to the media, and he indeed didn't get in any reps before its conclusion. Both Godwin and Mike Evans (hamstring, limited) are tending to injuries following the Buccaneers' Week 13 bye, so their statuses should be watched closely as the week approaches to get a sense of their availability for Sunday's game versus the Vikings.

Godwin (finger) wasn't spotted at practice Wednesday, Greg Auman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The wideout's absence Wednesday isn't really a surprise after he underwent a minor follow-up procedure Tuesday to remove pins from his fractured left index finger. Godwin still has a couple more chances to rejoin his teammates at practice in advance of Sunday's game against the Vikings.

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