The Giants and the Jets both are expected to try to add a high-end wide receiver this offseason, and the market continues to evolve at that position.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed wideout Chris Godwin that he will be franchise tagged, according to multiple reports, removing one of the top options from the free-agent pool.
The Chicago Bears will also place the tag on star WR Allen Robinson, according to multiple reports.
Detroit Lions receiver Kenny Golladay should still be available, however, as he is not expected to be tagged, according to NFL Network.
The 25-year-old old Godwin totaled 65 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 regular-season games last season, before adding 16 more catches from Tom Brady during the Bucs’ march to a Super Bowl title.
Godwin, who is slated to make a projected $15.8 million if he signs the franchise tag, had said last month that 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 the quarterback position. The 27-year-old will return to Chicago after signing a 3-year, $42 million contract in 2018.
The 27-year-old Golladay appeared in just five games last season for Detroit due to a hip injury, finishing 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.
Other free-agent receivers this offseason include JuJu Smith-Schuster, T.Y. Hilton, Will Fuller, Marvin Jones and Corey Davis.
