USAT: Buccs Wire audio clip

USAT: Buccs Wire

Mar 6, 2022

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping to retain star wide receiver Chris Godwin for the 2022 season and beyond, but if they don’t, could they find a potential replacement from elsewhere in the NFC? - Earlier this week, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Dallas Cowboys were trying to find a trade partner for veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper, and that he would likely be released if there were no takers. - The Cowboys seem to be far more interested in re-signing Michael Gallup to a new contract, and considering Cooper is set to take up around $20 million of salary cap space this season, moving on from him appears to be a necessary move: - - From NFL Now: The #Cowboys will try to trade WR Amari Cooper, and they've had discussions with receiver-needy teams. If not, they'll move on and try to keep their own FA WRs. pic.twitter.com/ROHQU8DLoc - — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2022 - - - If that happens, could the Bucs target Cooper as a backup plan if things don’t workout with Godwin on a long-term deal? - It’s possible, but if Cooper hits the open market, he’ll be able to sign with another team before the beginning of free agency, since he’s a vested veteran and isn’t subject to waivers. It’s highly likely that while Cooper may not find a team willing to pay him $20 million per year (a big reason why a trade is unlikely), there could easily be multiple teams who would be willing to pay Cooper more than the Bucs can afford. - Godwin isn’t the only high-priced free agent the Bucs have to try and re-sign this offseason. There’s a long list that includes Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen, cornerback Carlton Davis III, running back Leonard Fournette and more. - Bringing Godwin back on a long-term extension is still the most likely result for the Bucs here. If that doesn’t happen, though, Tampa Bay’s more likely to seek out more economical alternatives than Cooper, even with their first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft. - - List - - NFL free agency: Who should be Bucs' top priority? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Bucs Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Bucs Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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Jan 27, 2022