Every year right after the Super Bowl there is a long list of free agents and fans start to get excited about the potential of them getting away. Then, every year before free agency we see that the prime players wind up staying with their team whether it be via an extension or the franchise tag. The same can be said this year, especially in the wide receiver market that the Chicago Bears are desperate to enter.
Fans look at the top free agents and see names such as Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, and Mike Williams, but the reality is that they are not going to get away from their respective teams. Even if things got contentious the team would find a way to get trade compensation, rather than letting them walk.
The prime example is Davante Adams. The Green Bay Packers have not committed to anything, but that is because they have not heard from Aaron Rodgers yet. Once they get word they can move accordingly, but at the very least they will be tagging Adams.
So, fans have already been debating whether they can afford to pay Adams $30M and fill out the rest of the roster. Now, add in that they will have to try to trade for him. Even if he demanded a trade to play for Luke Getsy, there would be a cost.
In the case of Mike Williams, a report out of the combine came that he is not going anywhere.
The Chargers “aren’t going to let Mike Williams go,” according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation. If both sides don’t agree on a long-term extension, the Chargers are prepared to franchise tag the WR.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) March 4, 2022
Considering the depth in the Chargers wide receiver room and the age of Keenan Allen, it would be reckless to let Williams walk. There were more questions with Chris Godwin, especially coming off an injury.
However, reports are that they are likely to tag him as well. They wanted to try to get a deal done but if they do not, they will retain him via the franchise tag.
Bucs are expected to franchise tag WR Chris Godwin before Tuesday's deadline, per source.
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) March 7, 2022
The Chicago Bears could still be in on these names, but the reality is that the price tag is not just giving them the big money, it also comes with the draft cost. At that point, you might as well just erase Adams, Godwin, and Mike Williams from any of your free agent wishlists.