Arians on Godwin's free agency: 'It's not bad paying 2 No. 1 receivers'

Chris Godwin is set to become one of the offseason's top free agents, but Bruce Arians believes the talented wide receiver wants to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The head coach would be happy to have him back as well.

"He loves it here," Arians told reporters Tuesday, according to The Athletic's Greg Auman. "It's hard to leave and go to another system just for money. But it's not bad paying two No. 1 receivers, that's for sure, when they're as good as our two No. 1s."

Godwin just wrapped up the final year of his rookie contract. After setting career highs across the board in 2019, he hauled in 65 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns over 12 games this past season. Arians' offense is dependent on an aggressive passing attack led by the 24-year-old and Mike Evans, who paced the Bucs with 1,006 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2020.

Tampa Bay has a number of other contributors set to hit free agency, including Shaquil Barrett, Rob Gronkowski, Lavonte David, and Ndamukong Suh, but Arians expects most of the group will prioritize re-signing if similar money is offered.

"It's usually the money ... if it's close, I think our guys really want to stay," Arians added. "They know they have something special (in Tampa Bay). I don't think any of them want to leave. I don't get involved in the dollars. I just let them know we want them back."

Godwin could be a candidate for the franchise tag this offseason but will be a highly sought-after commodity should he hit the open market.

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