Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Antoine Winfield Jr. have finalized a lucrative four-year contract worth $84.1 million, as confirmed by agent David Mulugheta to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
This landmark agreement propels Winfield to the apex of NFL defensive backs, marking the first instance in contemporary NFL history where a safety has commanded such a sum.
The deal encompasses a staggering $45 million in guaranteed money, setting a new benchmark for safety contracts.
During this offseason, the Buccaneers have prioritized retaining their star players. Alongside Winfield, quarterback Baker Mayfield (signing for three years, $100 million), wide receiver Mike Evans (agreeing to two years, $41 million), and linebacker Lavonte David (committing to one year, $8.5 million) have all recommitted to Tampa Bay.
Having received the franchise tag from the Buccaneers in March, Winfield joins the ranks of players transitioning from franchise or transition tags to long-term contracts this offseason, becoming the eighth to do so.
As for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, the sole player designated with the franchise tag yet to secure a long-term agreement, he faces a looming deadline of July 15 to finalize terms, or risk playing the 2024 season under the franchise tender, despite expressing intentions to remain with the Bengals.
In the preceding season, Winfield’s stellar performance earned him the distinction of team captain for the first time in his career. He showcased his defensive prowess with a league-leading six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries, a feat matched only by Haason Reddick since the turn of the century.
Accumulating 122 tackles, the fourth-highest among defensive backs league-wide and second-most within his team, Winfield also contributed with six tackles for loss, 12 passes defended, 6 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, and 3 interceptions.
His monumental workload, amounting to 1,100 snaps in the 2023 season, surpassed all other defensive players on the roster, culminating in a first-team All-Pro recognition.
Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft, Winfield has seamlessly transitioned into a pivotal role within the Buccaneers’ defense. His pedigree, as the son of former Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield Sr., is evident in his impactful performances, including pivotal plays in high-stakes games such as sacking Jalen Hurts and forcing a fumble against the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.
At 25 years old, Winfield’s career statistics boast 122 tackles, 15 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 7 interceptions across 59 games, affirming his status as a dynamic force in the league.
