Entering the bye week at 4-6, the Bucks showed that their roster isn’t perfect. Their wide receiver depth has proven lackluster at the moment. Their cornerback depth has become clear over the past three weeks. The team still doesn’t have a pass rusher who steps up to the difference-making ability that elevates the rest of the unit. And the entire linebacker department is likely considering major changes next year.
Like most teams, the 2025 roster could see at least 20% turnover.
Bucs’ 2025 Cap Status
Does Tampa Bay have the wherewithal to make the necessary changes without looking for bargains?The answer is mostly yes.
around Through the cap, The Bucks currently have just under $25 million in cap space available for the 2025 season. That means there are only 39 players under contract. Filling 13 spots would require just under $2 million per player to fill out the roster. However, there are some moves the team can make to free up some additional potential cap space.
Here are two moves that could happen in the offseason.
Tampa Bay re-signs Chris Godwin
Bucks assistant GM Mike Greenberg – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Before his season-ending injury, Chris Godwin was on track to become an All-Pro. This year was shaping up to be an exclamation point on his three-season recovery from a torn ACL suffered in 2021. Despite injuries, Godwin managed to consistently eclipse 1,000 yards in five consecutive seasons prior to this year. Due to his current injury, a dislocated ankle, Godwin’s free agent market value will likely drop significantly, likely putting him back in position to continue playing in Tampa Bay beyond 2024.
My current projection for Godwin is a three-year deal worth $70 million. His 23.33 million APY will be just $3 million more than Mike Evans’ contract. Evans is still considered the Bucs’ No. 1 receiver, but Godwin has previously shown that he is comfortable operating with a slightly higher rating than him.
When Godwin signed his current contract for 20 million APY, even though his contract at the time was worth just $16.5 million per year, Evans didn’t hesitate or ask for a new contract.
Many are wondering if the Bucks can afford to bring Godwin back for more than $20 million. Here’s the problem. They would actually save cap space in 2025 if they decide to pursue this path.
Bucks WR Chris Godwin – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Let’s break it down.
If Tampa Bay does not re-sign Godwin, he would cost $18,852,000 on the salary cap based on the pro-rata calculation the team applied during his current contract. If the Bucks extend Godwin before reaching the dead cap charge, $11.318 million of that charge will be rolled over into the future.
And if this hypothetical deal breaks down reasonably, the Bucks would pay Godwin the league minimum salary in 2025, along with a $22 million pro-rated bonus over five years. Overall, Godwin’s salary cap would drop from $18,852,000 to just over $13 million, potentially saving the team more than $5.5 million.
Bucks restructure Tristan Wirfs’ contract
The Bucks have a number of players whose contracts could be restructured to create more cap space. Between Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Antwon Winfield Jr., Vita Vea, and Jamel Dean, they could create about $66.5 million in additional cap space.
But Tampa Bay has proven more cautious in its realignment in recent years. Restructuring is not just for the sake of restructuring. They do this to make room for the moves they actually want to perform. Restructuring Tristan Wirfs could create $19,864,000 in cap room while maintaining his restructured value for the duration of his actual contract. This prevents teams from having to create blank years or dead caps going forward.
Use additional caps for internal and external transfers
Between the current cap space and the two aforementioned moves, the Bucks will have approximately $58 million in cap space to improve their roster. It would cost about $15 million to sign a practice squad player and give him room to operate during the season. The draft class will also cost just under $4 million. This allows the team to still spend $39 million to secure long-term pieces of their roster and add impact players to their roster.
early expansion
Bucks TE Cade Otton – Photo courtesy of USA Today
A few weeks ago I identified 3 players He is a player from the Bucks’ 2022 draft class and could be in line for an early extension next year. They are cornerback Zion McCollum, tight end Cade Otton and right tackle Luke Goedeke. In my opinion, Otton and Goedeke will likely get those extensions, and the team will likely wait until 2026 for McCollum.
my the current Projections call for both players to sign four-year deals that keep them under contract through 2029, with Otton averaging $13.5 million and Goedeke $18.5 million. These contracts will cost the team $5.9 million in cap room in 2025.
outside help
The Bucks, who currently have $33 million in cap space, could find three to five important, but not necessarily expensive, additions to the roster. Over the next week, I’ll be looking at some potential targets teams could target to strengthen their roster depth and improve their ceiling.
