Antoine Winfield Jr.’s ascension to stardom with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers culminated in a landmark contract on Monday. The standout safety inked a four-year, $84.1 million deal, as reported by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. This contract, which includes $45 million in guaranteed money, makes Winfield the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, a first for a safety.
Winfield’s performance on the field justifies his lucrative deal. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and, despite being overlooked for All-Pro honors in previous years, he finally secured the accolade in 2023. His stellar season also earned him Defensive Player of the Year votes, highlighting his impact.
In 2023, Winfield set career highs with six forced fumbles, 122 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and 12 passes defensed. His ability to produce game-changing plays, including two forced fumbles that prevented touchdowns, has made him a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense.
As the Buccaneers’ secondary has seen faces come and go, Winfield has been a consistent force. His reliability and playmaking ability have often turned the tide in favor of Tampa Bay. After receiving the franchise tag in early March, Winfield’s new deal leaves Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins as the only tagged player in 2024 without a long-term extension.
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