NEWSLETTER
The Buccaneers have made Antoine Winfield Jr the highest-paid defensive back in the history of the NFL. On Monday afternoon, Winfield Jr and Tampa Bay agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million deal. It also guarantees the Bucs’ star $45 million. It’s the first time a safety has been the highest-paid DB in the NFL, and the guarantees are also the most ever given to a safety in NFL history.
Antoine Winfield Jr Staying In Tampa
Winfield Jr is just the latest key member of the Bucs to sign an extension this offseason. Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Lavonte David have all signed deals to remain in Tampa since the season came to an end. Winfield Jr was given the Franchise Tag earlier this offseason but now has agreed to his brand new contract.
The former Minnesota Golden Gopher has been a standout ever since being drafted by the Bucs in the 2nd Round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has recorded 80+ tackles in all four seasons in Tampa including a career-high 122 this season. In addition to the career-high in tackles, Winfield Jr put up career-best marks in interceptions (3), forced fumbles (6), sacks (6), and games played (17). He was also named to first-team All-Pro.
He’s making a lot of money, but deservingly so. Winfield Jr has been a huge part of the Bucs’ defense since entering the league and now will continue to lead that unit for the foreseeable future. It’s always nice to see players of his caliber get rewarded by the teams that drafted them, similar to Jaylon Johnson and his new deal with the Bears.
