3 Buccaneers the Cleveland Browns should look at in free agency

WR Chris Godwin – 2021 PFF 81.3

The Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of receiver help, and Chris Godwin could be a godsend. He did tear his ACL near the end of the season, but ACL injuries are no longer the career affectors that they used to be. Mostly, you’re just looking at how long he’ll be out for. Most ACL injuries can see a guy return to full and active workouts in six months. That’s June for Godwin.

However, being cleared to play, and being ready to play is not the same thing. Sure, Godwin could suit up in June to play if needed, but he won’t likely be back to himself, or as close as he’ll be, until about eight or nine months out. That’s September at the latest.

That’s barring any setbacks or issues post-surgery, mind you.

So Godwin seems like he could both miss significant time in the 2022 season, and be exactly what the Cleveland Browns need. He’s got burning speed, which even if he’s not all the way back, is still going to be better than anything the Browns have (save for Anthony Schwartz).

Plus he’s a big-play option, who’s only 26 years old (as of February). So he’s fast, young, and on a team that may be about to blow up their core. Couple that with his injury and him wanting a massive payday and it makes all the sense in the world that the Buccaneers would want to move on, assuming Brady retires.

If Brady doesn’t retire, Godwin may be likely to return.