Antoine Winfield Jr. Receives Bucs’ Franchise Tag

The move ensures that Winfield will stay with the Bucs in 2024 at a projected cap hit of $17.123 million, per Over The Cap. Even with this move, the team and Winfield can continue to negotiate a long-term extension that will keep their 2020 second-round pick in the fold for years to come. The two sides have until July 15 to come to terms on such a deal.

After that date, they will have to wait until the conclusion of the 2024 season to get a deal worked out. That extension would most likely come at a price tag of $19 million or more per season.

Antoine Winfield Jr. entered this offseason as one of five key free agents for Tampa Bay, and he was always the most likely candidate for the franchise tag. Now, we’ll see whether this move sets any others into motion, as the Bucs still have Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield, star wide receiver Mike Evans, legendary linebacker Lavonte David and outstanding kicker Chase McLaughlin to get under contract for 2024.

Antoine Winfield Jr. Has Been Critical To Bucs’ Success

Antoine Winfield Jr. was a major contributor to the Bucs’ Super Bowl run during his rookie campaign, racking up 94 tackles, three sacks, an interception, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. That year, he finished fourth in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

He has only grown from there, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2021. In 2022, he moved to the slot and played well in a new role. But in 2023, head coach Todd Bowles moved him back to his primary safety position, and it all culminated in a career year. He set career highs in tackles (122), sacks (six), forced fumbles (six – led the league), fumble recoveries (four), interceptions (three) and passes defensed (12). That earned him his first All-Pro selection and led to a sixth-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Antoine Winfield Jr. became a human highlight reel in 2023 and ascended into the conversation for best safety in the NFL. The Bucs will be getting that player at a slight value with the tag while simultaneously keeping a key cog in their defense around for another season.