Report: Bucs' Antoine Winfield Jr. More Likely to Get Franchise Tag than Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is a likely candidate to be franchise-tagged by the team, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

"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," Stroud wrote.

The 25-year-old seems to be the top candidate to receive the tag over veteran wideout Mike Evans, as the five-time Pro Bowler is also expected to hit free agency.

The move appears to be both age and financial-related, as Winfield Jr. has established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the NFL. After playing a pivotal role on Tampa Bay's Super Bowl-winning team in the 2020 season, the former second-round pick has continued to improve.

In 2023, Winfield Jr. racked up 122 tackles and three interceptions while his six forced fumbles were tied with Miami Dolphins defensive end Bradley Chubb for the highest mark in the league. Pro Football Focus gave him a 91.2 grade for the season as a whole, allowing 26 receptions on 37 targets.

Per Over the Cap, the 2024 franchise tag for safeties is expected to be roughly $16.2 million while the tag for wide receivers is projected to be just over $20.6 million.

Mike Evans remained plenty effective in 2023, as the 30-year-old recorded 1,255 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 17 starts. However, his future with the team is shrouded in some doubt after the two sides were unable to agree to an extension on Monday, according to via Dianna Russini of The Athletic.

While a tag would only keep Winfield Jr. under contract through the 2024 season, it would also give the front office more time to work on a long-term contract with the young safety. The Buccaneers would have until July 17 to sign him to an extension before he'd play on the tag next season (h/t Jared Dubin of CBS Sports).