There has been a lot of talk about how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intend to use their franchise tag for the upcoming season. For the most part, rumors have centered around quarterback Baker Mayfield as the Bucs look to retain the services of the 28-year-old.
As it turns out, however, Tampa Bay may have other plans.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Not Expected to Franchise Tag Baker Mayfield
According to team insider Rick Stroud of Tampa Bay Times, the Buccaneers have every intention of using their franchise tag. It’s just not going to be on Mayfield.
Apparently, the team plans on franchise tagging safety Antoine Winfield Jr.:
“As the two-week window opens Tuesday for teams to apply the franchise player tag, Winfield is expected to be given that designation should the Bucs opt to use it this year.
The projected value for a franchise player at safety is $16.2 million, according to Spotrac,” wrote Stroud.
This only means that unless Tampa Bay is able to agree to terms with Mayfield on a new deal in the near future, he will enter unrestricted free agency. The former Rookie of the Year had a resurgent campaign with the Bucs last season, and there won’t be a shortage of potential suitors for his services if he does hit free agency.
Stroud points out that one of the biggest factors behind the team’s decision to use the franchise tag on Winfield instead of Mayfield centers around the fact that Tampa Bay will need to shell out roughly $36 million to tag the latter.
Winfield, who had an outstanding campaign in 2023-24, will cost less than half of what Mayfield would have.
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