Bruce Arians: Bucs 'Really, Really Want' to Re-Sign Chris Godwin in Free Agency

Bruce Arians is leaving no doubt about where the team stands with Chris Godwin as he prepares to hit free agency.

Speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Arians said that the Bucs really want to have Godwin back in 2022.

For the second year in a row, Godwin is looking for a long-term contract. He was prevented from hitting the open market by the franchise tag of the Buccaneers. He signed the one-year tender for 15.98 million dollars.

In Week 15 of the season, he tore his knee against the New Orleans Saints. The surgery to repair the injury was successful.

The franchise tag is unlikely to be used for a second year in a row. It would cost the team 120 percent of his salary.

Some executives around the league feel it could affect his market slightly, according to Jeremy Fowler.

Pro Football Focus projected that he would sign a four-year, $65 million contract.

This has been a rough time for the team in terms of personnel. Tom Brady retired from the NFL on February 1.

Guard Ali Marpet surprised many when he announced his retirement at the age of 28 on Sunday.

Marpet was concerned about his health if he continued to play.

Losing those two key contributors from their offense would be a terrible outcome for a team that is only 13 months removed from winning a Super Bowl.

Despite not playing in the last three games of the season, Godwin still led the team in targets, reception and receiving yards. He has reached the 1,000-yard mark in two of the past three seasons.