The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have some tough decisions to make this offseason regarding their roster and its construction. On Monday, a potential twist was added to the decisions they will make in free agency in the coming weeks.
The Los Angeles Rams made the announcement they would be seeking to trade their star wide receiver, Cooper Kupp. Would the idea of being able to acquire the former Super Bowl MVP be worth looking into if you are the Bucs?
The Bucs really found use out of their slot wide receivers in 2024. Early on, Chris Godwin dominated from that position and was off to a career-high pace for the veteran wide receiver. Sadly, his season was cut short with a Week 7 dislocated ankle, landing him on injured reserve.
Where Cooper Kupp comes into the fold is whether the Bucs are better off bringing back Chris Godwin, who is a free agent, or trading for the Rams wide receiver.
Godwin’s projected contract value is set at $20 million on average per year. That much money going to a wide receiver who is turning 29 this month, and coming off a season ending ankle injury, could be a less than ideal idea. Godwin, as we mentioned, is coming off a great start to the season in 2024 which is one argument to be made in that he has plenty left in the tank.
The fan favorite is going to be the obvious choice for Bucs fans, but the front office should see it the same way.
Could Kupp be the cheaper alternative? Mike Garafalo of NFL Media points out that the team that trades for him would be on the hook for $15 million in 2025 and $19.85 million in 2026. That would save the Bucs some money on the surface but Pewter Report throws another wrench into the idea that makes things easier for Jason Licht.
They point out the team woudl actually save money in bringing back Chris Godwin as it frees up money that was tied up in dead cap space. They would structure his deal similar to past ones and spread out the money over the years of it.
When you factor the money into it, and the age gap, this isn’t a tough decision if people try and make the argument for it.