Antoine Winfield Jr. Receives $17.1M Franchise Tag from Bucs Ahead of NFL Free Agency

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed the $17.1 million franchise tag on All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. on Tuesday.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz first reported the franchise tag would be used.

Winfield has been a four-year starter at safety since the Bucs selected him with the No. 45 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft out of Minnesota. His first season ended with a Super Bowl victory in part due to his efforts.

He notably amassed six tackles and an interception amid the Bucs' dominant defensive performance during a 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs to give Tampa its second-ever Lombardi Trophy.

Winfield continued his excellence in 2021 with his first-ever Pro Bowl appearance. He followed that up with 80 tackles and four sacks in 2022.

The 25-year-old enjoyed his best individual season in 2023, when he earned All-Pro honors and led the league with six forced fumbles. He also amassed 122 tackles (76 solo), six sacks, eight quarterback hits and three interceptions.

Tampa Bay has made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons thanks in part to Winfield, whose aggressiveness and playmaking abilities have certainly helped this team.

After getting the tag, it appears he'll continue to be the backbone of the Bucs' secondary for one year, at least, although his long-term future is still uncertain post-tag.