NFC Notes: Chris Godwin, Buccaneers, Falcons Offseason, Panthers Offseason

Buccaneers GM Jason Licht said WR Chris Godwin “means the world to us” and moved the voidable year deadline to March 12th to give them more time to get a deal done. (Rick Stroud)
ESPN’s Dan Graziano doesn’t think there is any “practical way” the Buccaneers can use the franchise tag on Godwin because he’s already been tagged twice in his career and a third would increase his salary by 144 percent of his 2024 cap number. This would make Godwin the league’s highest-paid receiver with a $39,648,960 salary in 2025.
Licht knows they need to address some areas on defense: “We need some help in a lot of areas.” (Greg Auman)
Tampa Bay HC Todd Bowles mentioned S Tykee Smith will have a chance to compete for a starting safety job to be on the field every down. (Stroud)

SI’s Albert Breer predicts the Falcons will release QB Kirk Cousins before March 17th, when a $10 million roster bonus will vest and become fully guaranteed.
Breer adds that Cousins will likely draw significant interest around the league, with teams such as the Browns and Rams who have coaching connections with Cousins as two leading contenders.
Falcons GM Terry Fontenot said that at this point, Cousins will remain the backup to QB Michael Penix Jr. (Tori McElhaney)
Fontenot had no updates on impending free agents LB Matthew Judon, C Drew Dalman, or S Justin Simmons. (D.Orlando Ledbetter)
As for TE Kyle Pitts, Fontenot says the team will continue to pour into him and he will reciprocate: “We know there’s a really high expectation for him.” (McElhaney)
None of the Falcons’ assistant offensive coaches will attend the combine and the team plans on using all 45 of their interview meetings on defensive players. (Ledbetter)

Panthers QB Andy Dalton on why he decided to re-sign with Carolina and how QB Bryce Young played a factor: “Part of the reason I want to be back is because of what Bryce has been able to do.” (Nick Carboni)
Ryan Fowler reports that the Eagles and Panthers both had formal meetings with Florida DL Cam Jackson.
Panthers GM Dan Morgan said WR Xavier Legette didn’t have wrist surgery but he did have foot surgery. (Mike Kaye)
Carolina HC Dave Canales isn’t sure whether Legette will be ready for OTAs. (Newton)
Per Darin Gantt, LB Trevin Wallace had shoulder surgery but is out of a sling and rehabbing.
Morgan hopes to bring back RG Austin Corbett and LG Cade Mays in free agency. (Gantt)
Regarding RB Jonathon Brooks, Morgan would not put a timeline on his recovery. (Joe Person)
Morgan said improving the DL is the focus this year after they focused on the OL a year ago. (Person)
Morgan expressed how his fondness for the WR room and was asked if they need to find a true No. 1 option:...