The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are keeping their own and locking them down to contract extensions this offseason. We have seen them do so with quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans to name a few but the team has reportedly agreed to the largest guaranteed contract for a safety in NFL history.
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million contract with $45 million guaranteed to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Adam Schefter. Winfield Jr. had an outstanding 2023 season as he finished with 122 total tackles, six sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 12 pass deflections and three interceptions as he was named as an All-Pro First Team player for the first time in his career.
His 2023 was outstanding as he also finished sixth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting as well. He was set to play his age 26 season with a $17.1 million base contract before being an unrestricted free agent. This means he will be part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary for years to come as he continues to improve his craft.
He now surpasses Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander as the highest-paid defensive back in the league for the upcoming season.
What does this signing mean for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024?
![Tampa Bay Buccaneers Superstar Agrees to Largest Guaranteed Contract for a Safety 1 Philadelphia Eagles, Antoine Winfield Jr.](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USATSI_22303314-scaled.jpg)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to win the NFC South last season and make it to the NFC Divisional Round before losing to the Detroit Lions. This move helps the defense remain solid as they are essentially retaining one of the their top defensive players.
He was one of the best players in the NFL last season as he recorded a 91.5 Pro Football Focus grade, including an 87.7 grade in coverage. Expect the Bucs to be a dominant force once again in a weak division and likely find their way to hosting a home game in the playoffs once again.