NFL Rumors: Antoine Winfield Jr., Bucs Talking Contract, Would Be Highest-Paid Safety

After receiving the franchise tag earlier this offseason, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is reportedly making progress on a potentially groundbreaking deal.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Winfield and the Bucs "have been working towards a new deal that would make him the NFL's highest-paid safety, and there is optimism it will get done." Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James is currently the league's highest-paid safety at $19 million per year, so Winfield's deal would surpass that.

The franchise tag for safeties guarantees $17.1 million for the 2024 season. Winfield made just $8.7 million over his four-year career after being selected with a second-round pick in the 2020 draft, so he's in for a massive payday regardless of whether he reaches a new deal with Tampa Bay or not.

However, it's clear that Winfield is worthy of being one of the top-earning safeties in the NFL. He earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2023 after setting career highs across the board with 122 total tackles, six sacks, 12 passes defended, three interceptions, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He led all defensive backs in sacks and his six forced fumbles tied for the league lead.

Winfield earned his first career Pro Bowl selection during the 2021 season as an injury replacement. He also helped lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl title in his rookie season, recording an interception off of Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LV.

Tampa Bay is coming off a strong 2023 campaign in which it won its third straight NFC South title after finishing with a 9-8 record. The Bucs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round before falling to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round.

Locking up Winfield on a long-term deal would give the Bucs a foundational piece on defense for years to come.