LBs More Important Than Chris Godwin?
February 26th, 2021
FS1: Can’t let him loose.
Interesting chatter about the Bucs and free agency on the signature FS1 hollering show “Undisputed” this week.
Shannon Sharpe, Skip Bayless and All-American girl Jenny Taft, who usually handles the show, had the day off and in their places were Joe’s good friend Jason McIntyre, Chris Broussard and LaVar Arrington.
Now who would be shocked that Arrington, a former Penn State linebacker who played for Washington, wouldn’t stick up for his guys. He argued that Bucs linebacker Lavonte David and former Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin are absolute musts to retain in free agency.
Hhhmmm? A linebacker and a Penn State guy.
Arrington called David “the heartbeat of the defense.” And Arrington claimed Godwin is a main reason park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring, down-forgetting, handshake-stiffing, jet-ski-losing, biscuit-baking, tequila-shooting, trophy-throwing Bucs Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady came to Tampa Bay.
Broussard isn’t so sure. He seems to think the Bucs must retain Shaq and David because the Bucs have plenty of weapons to withstand the hit they would take losing Godwin. In other words, Broussard said the Bucs cannot afford to lose Shaq.
“Here is the thing,” Broussard began. “As much as I like Chris Godwin, Chris Godwin isn’t going to be the determining factor as to whether the Bucs win the Super Bowl or get to the Super Bowl next year. They have to bring back Shaq Barrett, Lavonte David. Those are the priorities.
“On the other side of the football, yes I want Chris Godwin back,” Broussard continued. “Even if I don’t get him back, I’ve got Mike Evans, who is one of the best receivers in the game. I’ve got Antonio Brown … and we know he’s still got game. Obviously, [Rob] Gronkowski isn’t going anywhere if he plays again. It will be in Tampa Bay. You’ve got Ronald Jones — I don’t believe [Leonard] Fournette is leaving but if he does I’ve still got Ronald Jones. I’ve got Scotty Miller. I’ve got Tyler Johnson as a receiver.
“That team is going to come back ready to make the Super Bowl again. They should be the favorites in the NFC. They are going to be better than last year. They are going to be comfortable with each other. More confident.”
The key is the Bucs have a shot of making another Super Bowl run with Shaq and David, per Broussard, If they lose both, all bets are off.
Joe’s top-three priorities would be No. 1A Shaq, No. 1B Godwin and No. 2 Ryan Succop. Joe doesn’t know if the team can recover without Shaq (unless maybe they trade for Chandler Jones or sign Bud Dupree, both coming off season-ending injuries in 2020).
Shaq is healthy, young and a tested Super Bowl winner. What’s the problem?
February 26th, 2021 at 10:30 am
It’s not an easy choice. In a perfect world, Godwin is a more valuable player, less replaceable skill set than Shaq Barrett. But we don’t live in that perfect world. There aren’t many quality pass rushers on the open market, and this draft is unusually thin in terms of quality EDGE players. However this draft looks deep in terms of slot WR talent.
How’s that for a non-answer? I’m telling you, I should run for a seat in DC.
February 26th, 2021 at 10:30 am
There is absolutely no question about it……will debate anyone. As much as I love homegrown Chris Godwin, he is much easier to replace…..either with a draft pick or a much less expensive FA.
Shaq & LVD, on the other hand…..nope.
LVD means a great deal to this defense….especially Devin White….
Keep Shaq, LVD & Suh in that order….the rest of the team will take care of itself.
February 26th, 2021 at 10:42 am
I dont disagree with broussard
And you can tell he is well informed and watches games to be able to reference scotty miller and johnson
Man i love chris godwin. And He was brady go to guy
He had some dropsies in big games but the kid is so talented
I just wonder if he goes to another team likely in florida like dolphins or jags cause they will offer big bucks 20 mil per to help their young qb…but i wonder if he is WR#1 with an average supporting cast …meaning he will get doubled by safety over the top …if his numbers would justify these big dollars
Lets face it. He played in slot with weapons all around and mike evans getting the doubles so he flat out balled out against maybe a teams 2nd or 3rd best corner or a linebacker and no safety help.
February 26th, 2021 at 10:43 am
Pass rush is more important. It’s the second most important part of a football team. Licht has a better track record on getting good pass catchers than pass rushers. There’s more variables in this decision than just how talented is x vs y. This would be my opinion no matter what wr we have that’s on a contract year.
For me the exception is the same as Joes.
February 26th, 2021 at 10:43 am
I would rather Keep Shaq and lose Godwin. It is way to hard to replace edge rushers in this league. Plus we draft well at WR and we still have Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson. Pay the damn defense get Shaq, David and SUH back. Tom Brady is good enough to make it work with the offensive players we have. He has won superbowls with far less talent in New England.
February 26th, 2021 at 10:51 am
Chris Godwin is a stud, no doubt about. But, looking at his first offseason, we can call him Regular Season Chris. When it mattered the most, he was average at best. Of course he has all the tools to rebound, he’s young, he’s an amazing blocker and a great teammate. But the truth is that he wasn’t a factor, the Bucs would have won the SB without him. So, he’s replaceable.
When it comes to Shaq Barrett, things are completely different. Pass rush was one of the main reasons for victory. It might be much more riskier, almost insane, to let Barrett hit the market.
I would love to have Regular Season Chris back, but it’s almost impossible, let’s face it.
IMO, the priority list is 1 Shaq, 2 Succop, 3 Gronk, 4 LVD
February 26th, 2021 at 11:05 am
TBBF … You nailed it.
February 26th, 2021 at 11:19 am
“Joe’s top-three priorities would be No. 1A Shaq, No. 1B Godwin and No. 2 Ryan Succop. Joe doesn’t know if the team can recover without Shaq (unless maybe they trade for Chandler Jones or sign Bud Dupree, both coming off season-ending injuries in 2020).“
That’s spot on!
I also think Suh is very important. That guy has wrecked games for other teams over and again and plays every game. He’s a great influence on the younger guys.
Suh loves Tampa, and Tampa loves him. Please do not let this guy go. He should retire here and stay in the community. We need men like him here.
February 26th, 2021 at 11:28 am
I couldn’t disagree more with Joe . You can find another Shaq Barrett via cap casualties in Free agency . You can find other WR for Tom Brady to throw to . You can’t find another Lavonte David though because there isn’t another player like him on this planet .
February 26th, 2021 at 11:30 am
100% YES.
I love Godwin but he is expandable.
At least 8-10 very solid WR free agents available.
Plus plenty of young talented WRs in this years draft.
February 26th, 2021 at 11:52 am
Wheres Kendell Bechwith and Justin Evans ??
February 26th, 2021 at 11:53 am
Brady has a knack of turning decent receivers into pro bowlers. Godwin sorry to say not a #1 receiver yet and not worth #1 money. JuJu is a head case but.he is a better #2 than Godwin.
February 26th, 2021 at 11:58 am
Receivers don’t win Super Bowls but D lines do. Shaq is top priority but Godwin is close behind. Wish that Fournette would take a reasonable offer. I mean what good is “Playoff Lenny” if his nee team doesn’t make the playoffs?
February 26th, 2021 at 12:03 pm
Agree with TBBF and Defense Rules. It’s not just a cliche. Games are won and lost in the trenches.
If it’s “either/or” it’s Shaq ALL day long.
February 26th, 2021 at 12:04 pm
The way I see it…and I may be absolutely wrong.
Godwin, David, Gronk – love Brady and Tampa a little more than money. They will take less than market value to stay.
Shaq, Sue, Fournette – care about money the most.
AB – are there any other teams willing to take a chance on him? He wants to stay with Brady, but may be interested in going to another team with a great quarterback and more money.
Succop – can’t get a read on what he values most. Doubt we let him go.
February 26th, 2021 at 12:09 pm
Not all WRs are interchangeable like Godwin, able to line up on both the outside and inside. He also gives you great hands, beat-downs for contested catches, smart route-running, and an excellent catch radius. It’s hard to replicate that skill set. We didn’t see much out of Antonio Brown, but then the man had to learn the system on the fly and his opportunities were limited due to the presence of Evans and Godwin. Of course AB’s on the wrong side of 30, so you’re gambling on his projected level next season as well.
If Godwin is gone, I hope Kadarius Toney is available at the end of Day One of the draft.
February 26th, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Shaq is waaaaaay more important that Godwin. Bucs can find another high quality WR for less money. Brady made Chris Hogan look like a legit WR.
February 26th, 2021 at 12:18 pm
As much as I want Godwin back, Tyler Johnson is sitting on our roster waiting to prove himself as a consistent contributor.
February 26th, 2021 at 12:22 pm
I’m also starting to come around to the line of thinking that Godwin isn’t as important to the bottom line as are Shaq/LD. A good pass rush is a huge force multiplier. I’m hoping that Tyler can be as NEAR as good as Godwin, he just hasn’t had enough snaps to tell. I was freaking when we let Hump go (who’s career is possibly over now) . Maybe this will go the same way
February 26th, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Barrett’s play really elevated this past season only when Vea returns free from injury. That being said, is we lose Barrett we will likely need to get 2 starting edge rushers over next 2 seasons given JPP’s age. So on that note, Barrett should be too priority and then Godwin. The intangibles he brings in terms of blocking and running over middle and YAC can’t be underestimated. He much younger than David too so would be pity to miss out on 5-7 good seasons from Godwin for 1 maybe 2 decent seasons from Lavonte David so I’d let David go over Godwin. David should accept a slight raise and then we can fit all 3 in there. We’ll likely trade Brate to free up some money as we get Howard back and Bucs not paying 3 TEs real $. Or they trade Howard.
February 26th, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Had some typos.
Barrett’s play only really elevated this past season when Vea returned from injury. Barrett wasn’t a factor in a bunch of games, really letting Bucs see how Vita’s ability to collapse pocket makes benefits sack totals of both edge rushers. That being said, if we lose Barrett we will likely need to get 2 starting edge rushers over next 2 seasons given JPP’s age. That isn’t a situation any GM wants to be in. On that note, Barrett should be top priority and then Godwin. Besides the tough catches, the intangibles Godwin brings in terms of blocking, running over middle and YAC can’t be underestimated. He much younger than David too so would be pity to miss out on 5-7 good seasons from Godwin for 1 maybe 2 decent seasons from Lavonte David so I’d let David go over Godwin. David should accept a slight raise and then we can fit all 3 in there. We’ll likely trade Brate to free up some money as we get Howard back and Bucs not paying 3 TEs real $. Or they trade Howard.
February 26th, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Either keep Shaq or invest heavy in the position. There are plenty receivers in the room and in free agency.
February 26th, 2021 at 1:51 pm
I think Godwin is a bit intimidated by where he could end up. If he goes to NE, Jets, Miami, Tenn, Chic or any other team with a inferior QB he may hate live watching Bucs succeed. This is going to be a very interesting off season.
February 26th, 2021 at 2:25 pm
If I were the GM I would be hard pressed to invest another large salary to the WR position…but with Brady back at least next year…I think the Franchise tag is the right play for Godwin…plus, its a pay as the season goes contract and not cash up front. This will save us actual dollars needed for bonus money that we are going to need to pay to kick some salary cap dollars to future years.
As for Shaq – everyone has stated how hard it is to find edge rushers. He just seemed to disappear when Vea was out – is he worth $45mill over the next 3yrs vs $60mill over the next 3 yrs…if so, who are we losing and who is going to be that players replacement. I wouldn’t blame our GM for moving on but have a serious backup plan (i.e. JJ Watt – 2yrs 30mill) or pay Shaq, cry and move on.
Go Bucs!
February 26th, 2021 at 2:30 pm
Defense Rules Says:
February 26th, 2021 at 11:05 am
TBBF … You nailed it.
………………
THIS^^^^^
And to Joe……….Succop over LVD????
Shaq can’t do what he does without TWO of the best LBs in the league patrolling the middle.
February 26th, 2021 at 2:33 pm
Without question the rare edge rusher and premier coverage LB who were key to our playoff run are more important than the WR2 who choked in said playoffs. Really surprised this isn’t the prevailing take.
February 26th, 2021 at 2:33 pm
@Brad Farber … “Barrett’s play only really elevated this past season when Vea returned from injury. Barrett wasn’t a factor in a bunch of games”.
Got me curious Brad. Over the past 2 yrs, Vea has played in 23 of our 36 games (missed 11 regular season games & 2 playoff games this year).
Shaq had sacks in 16 of those 23 games (70%) that Vea (and Suh of course) played in. In the 13 games that Vea missed, Shaq also missed 1 of those games. In the other 12 games, Shaq had sacks in 4 games (33%) that Vea missed (but Suh played in).
So yes, I agree with you, with a caveat: Shaq wasn’t a factor in a bunch of games THAT VEA MISSED. He hunts very nicely when BOTH Vea AND Suh are in the lineup. But take 1 of them out (Vea in this past season), and Shaq’s not nearly as effective. Not unreasonable though because Shaq’s not really the Alpha Dog of this DLine IMO.
February 26th, 2021 at 2:36 pm
If you think Shaq “disappeared” during Vea’s injury, you are a casual fan who sees only sacks. Shaq constantly harassed QBs and needed to be game planned for with or without Vea. Does Vea inflate one of Shaq’s stat lines? Yes, absolutely. But if you think he disappeared, you need to learn more about the game.
February 26th, 2021 at 3:21 pm
^^^I have to agree. Stats don’t tell the whole story. Shaq was pressuring QBs all season. He may not have gotten the sack #s but to say he wasn’t a factor, is a farce.
The fact that missing Vea highlights Shaq’s lack of numbers goes to show that this unit needs to play and stay together.
February 26th, 2021 at 3:32 pm
Evans, Jensen, D. Smith and maybe Brady will restructure to bring back everyone except Fournette. Godwin will be franchised for 2 reasons: Bucs need to see if he ascends into an elite WR before he gets paid like one, and would like to see how Scotty and Tyler develops
February 26th, 2021 at 3:41 pm
Bucsfanman … Not disputing QB hits, pressures & TFLs, simply talking about sacks. And in THAT case, Shaq wasn’t nearly as effective with Vea out. Didn’t look at JPP’s sacks, but his situation MAY be similar. I don’t know.
Point being: the FOUR of them (Suh, Vea, JPP & Shaq) hunt beautifully TOGETHER. Take 1 out, and the ‘pack’ loses some of its effectiveness. There’s a great chemistry there that we know works. We both agree 100% it sounds like that the Bucs NEED to keep that DLine together.
February 26th, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Like the old Deion Sanders commercial “BOTH”, both Shaq and Godwin should be back. Draft a big NT to back up Vea and also play DE (Suh’s eventual replacement?). The Bucs D needs pressure up the middle, we saw what it looked like without it, not good at times.
February 26th, 2021 at 5:27 pm
Without Vita Vea in the middle, none of the others were showing up.
February 26th, 2021 at 5:30 pm
If Shaq gets a big contract,he should give Vita some of it.
February 26th, 2021 at 7:19 pm
Sorry to say but I EXPECT EVERYONE BACK.
February 26th, 2021 at 7:23 pm
Joe I have to say that the top priorities are Shaq, David and Suh and Succop
February 26th, 2021 at 7:33 pm
I love Godwin, but the 2 LBs are more important, period. We have WR depth and can get more. If Godwin doesn’t want a “bridge” or short term team friendly contract that’s more for free agents that can still produce.
February 26th, 2021 at 11:06 pm
That’s simply fiction. And Joe will write about this on Monday — with stats to back it up.
February 27th, 2021 at 12:32 am
Shaq, Godwin, LVD, Suh and Succop all must be re-signed. Gronk too of course.
It will be north of $60M to sign those 6 players but it must happen.
Time to get creative with contracts.
Shaq and Godwin can both be given good sized signing bonuses with smaller base salaries in 2021 to create an extra 20-25M in cap space. You certainly expect those 2 guys to be here for a few years and play out their contracts.
LVD, Suh and Gronk all need cut the Bucs somewhat of a break on their contract demands.
Brady and D.Smith should be extended a year to create another $15M or so in cap space………..
Yes – its kicking the can down the road and the bills will come due harshly in a couple years – but so what? We have the GOAT at QB. Hes 44 this year. There is no tomorrow. Only now. THIS year. Maybe 1 more. Gotta go ALL IN – no matter the future cost.
Pretty sure thats what BA and Licht are thinking.
There’s plenty of ways to create cap space for 1 or 2 years as long as you accept that there will be tens of millions in dead cap hits 2-3 years in the future.
Just ask New Orleans……….. And the beauty of that situation is the ‘Aints got NOTHING for it. No more Championships – not even a Super Bowl appearance – now Brees is gone and they are $80M OVER the cap……. and stuck with a poor man’s Tebow at QB……
Muhahahahahah…..
February 27th, 2021 at 8:25 am
Defense Rules & Brad Faber, that’s a fair analogy, Vea and Suh’s positions are framed around tying up offensive blockers to free up the LB’s to rush the QB or make tackles. Where do you think the word blitz came from? Waiting for open lanes. So obviously since Vea and Suh require double teams they are a asset to ALL the LB’s success. Run the tackle stats on David you may see the same results. White not sure he is sick good just wish he would drive through people on his tackles rather than wrestle them down, that has injury written all over it. So sorry to say your synopsis doesn’t hold water.
February 27th, 2021 at 8:27 am
Should say NOT a fair analogy.
February 27th, 2021 at 12:27 pm
I love Chris Godwin, home grown talent and a stud wideout. But let’s face it, reaching the superbowl by beating Brees, Rodgers and winning it by beating Mahomes, that all starts with Defense. As much as I want Godwin to stay, he is replaceable. Moving on from Barrett would leave a huge hole at the pass rush position and would have compounding effects on the Bucs emerging secondary as well. David is huge as well. Tough decisions all around, but for as much credit as Brady and the offense seem to get, I think it was the defense that carried this team in the post season.