The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not hesitate to place the franchise tag on star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. earlier this offseason. They wanted to ensure they had has much time as possible to hammer out a long-term deal to keep him with the franchise.
After months of negotiating, a deal has finally been reached. According to his agent Davis Mulugheta, via ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the two sides have worked out a record-setting contract.
The Buccaneers have agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million deal that makes Antoine Winfield Jr. the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. It is the first time that a safety has set that mark during the modern NFL.
A second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Minnesota, this is a contract that Winfield earned with his performance in 2023. Named a captain for the first time in his career, he led by example on the field with his play.
He tied for the league lead with six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. The only other player to accomplish that feat since 2000 is star pass rusher, Haason Reddick. Antoine Winfield Jr. added 6.0 sacks, three interceptions and six tackles for loss as one of the best playmakers on defense in the league.
Included in the deal is $45 million guaranteed, which also sets the highest mark that a safety has ever received. Antoine Winfield Jr. was one of nine players who had a franchise or transition tag placed on them this offseason and is the eighth to agree to a long-term deal.
The only player remaining is Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins. Higgins reportedly requested a trade from the Bengals but expects to remain in Cincinnati for the 2024 season. The two sides have until July 15th to work out a long-term deal or he will be forced to play the upcoming season out on a one-year tender.
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