Antoine Winfield Jr.’s impressive journey to stardom with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has culminated in a significant payday.
According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, the safety has agreed to a lucrative four-year, $84.1 million deal with the Bucs, a contract later confirmed by the team.
This landmark deal includes an impressive $45 million in guaranteed money, solidifying Winfield’s status as the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL. Notably, this marks the first time in league history that a safety has held such a title.
RELATED: Buccaneers GM Calls Baker Mayfield the ‘P Word’ While Showering Him With Praise
Winfield’s exceptional performance certainly justifies the deal. Despite his young career, he has already earned one Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and, after being overlooked for All-Pro honors in previous seasons, he secured the recognition in 2023.
His outstanding contributions even garnered Defensive Player of the Year votes, further underlining his value to the Buccaneers’ defense.
Winfield showcased his versatility and impact throughout the 2023 season, setting career highs in various statistical categories. He tallied an impressive six forced fumbles and started in all 17 games, contributing 122 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and 12 passes defensed, all marking career-best numbers.
Despite changes in Tampa Bay’s secondary, Winfield has remained a consistent force, consistently delivering game-changing performances.
Earlier in March, Winfield received the franchise tag from the Buccaneers, demonstrating the team’s commitment to retaining his services. Now, with Monday’s announcement of his long-term deal, Winfield joins the ranks of tagged players securing multi-year extensions, leaving Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins as the lone player tagged in 2024 without a similar agreement in place.
Winfield has spent his entire career with the Buccaneers since being drafted by them in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft out of Ohio State.
His father, Antoine Winfield Sr., was a three-time Pro Bowl cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings from 2008 to 2010.
