Who Should I Start? Russell Gage or Chris Godwin

Monday, March 11, 6:31 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage (knee) is now a free agent. When the team reworked his deal last year, it included an option for the 2024 season, and the team has declined to pick it up. The move clears what would have been $10 million in salary, but the Bucs will take on roughly $6.9 million in dead money from old restructures. Gage signed a three-year, $30 million in free agency before the 2022 season to give quarterback Tom Brady another weapon in the passing game. He did have a career-high five touchdowns in 2022, but he also had a disappointing 51 catches for 426 yards and didn't play at all last year due to a torn patellar tendon that he suffered in training camp in August. The 28-year-old should resurface with another team, but coming off a major knee injury, it's unlikely that he'll be able to make much of a fantasy impact wherever he lands.

Sunday, January 21, 9:49 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin looked to be the top option for this offense during the month of December. However, Godwin quickly ceded his role as top wideout to Mike Evans in the playoffs. On Sunday, Godwin hauled in four of his eight targets for 40 yards in the loss to the Detroit Lions. It was a fitting end for Godwin who was non-explosive throughout most of the season. He managed to finish his season with 83 receptions for over 1,000 receiving yards, but only found the end zone twice. Evans is a free agent this offseason, which means Godwin could end up as the No. 1 option for Tampa Bay next season.