The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially placed their franchise tag on star safety Antoine Winfield Jr ahead of this year’s deadline. Winfield, who was selected to the Associated Press’ All Pro First team for the first time in his career this season is considered one of the best safeties in the NFL and is projected to make $16.2 million under the tag.
Antoine Winfield Jr Produced 6 Forced Fumbles for Tampa Bay Buccaneers Last Season
Winfield, who played all 17 games last season combined for 122 total tackles, 6 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. He also recovered 4 of those forced fumbles. Winfield also became the first Buccaneer in history to record 10 sacks as a safety and leads the NFL with the most sacks by a safety since 2020.
With his historic play last season, Winfield has delivered in the clutch and put himself amongst the best in the league since being drafted 44th overall by Tampa Bay in 2020. He will look to continue his high level play while his team and the front office work on a long-term deal.
Winfield Expected to Reset the Safety Market Once New Contract is Offered
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the next contract for Winfield is expected to reset the market for all safeties once he is offered long term. The current highest paid safety in the NFL is Derwin James, who makes $19 million per season under a 4-year contract.
If Winfield were to reset the market for all safeties, the Buccaneers would have to offer at least $20 million per season. While Winfield will play in 2024 under the franchise tag, both sides have expressed interest in getting a long-term deal done and will continue to negotiate.
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