Kosport Magaziner
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Make Antoine Winfield Jr. Highest-Paid Safety in NFL History
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have solidified their already impressive offseason by signing star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. to a new four-year extension worth $84.1 million, with $45 million fully guaranteed. This makes Winfield the highest-paid defensive back in the league and marks the first time in NFL history that a safety holds this title.
Winfield, who had previously been placed under the franchise tag, had a stellar 2023 season, earning First Team All-Pro honors. He recorded 122 combined tackles, eight quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, 12 passes defended, and three interceptions in just 17 games. Winfield’s performance also makes him the only player in the last 25 years to achieve 100+ tackles, 5+ forced fumbles, 5.0 sacks, and 10 passes defended in a single season.
Drafted by the Bucs in the second round in 2020, Winfield has quickly become a key asset to the team. In just four seasons, he has won a Super Bowl, been named an All-Pro, made the Pro Bowl, and now holds the title of highest-paid defensive back. This surpasses Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers, who previously held this title after signing a four-year, $76 million contract in 2022.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
This extension not only secures Winfield’s future with the Buccaneers, but it also highlights the team’s commitment to rewarding their in-house talent. General manager Jason Licht has made it a priority to keep key players like Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Lavonte David on the team with new contracts this offseason.
With this deal, Winfield becomes one of two players who were previously under the franchise tag to secure a long-term deal. This leaves
