Buccaneers make Antoine Winfield highest-paid DB in NFL with new contract
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to lock down their core players for the long term.
On Monday, the team agreed to a four-year deal with safety Antoine Winfield Jr. that multiple outlets reported is worth $84.1 million. The agreement makes Winfield the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history based on average annual value. The contract also includes $45 million, per multiple reports.
Winfield, 25, received the franchise tag from the team in March ahead of NFL free agency. Had he remained on the deal, he would have earned a fully guaranteed $17.1 million for 2024. Instead, he receives a much more lucrative deal.
Winfield is coming off an All-Pro campaign in which he established himself as one of the NFL's most well-rounded defensive players. He tied for the league lead with six forced fumbles while also recording six sacks, three interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 12 passes defensed on top of his 122 total tackles.
In March, the Buccaneers re-signed five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans to a two-year, $52 million contract before also locking down quarterback Baker Mayfield, who agreed to a three-year, $100 million deal. The three-time defending NFC South champions also brought back defensive mainstay Lavonte David, though it traded cornerback Carlton Davis III to the Detroit Lions.
The pact leaves Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins as the only player left on the franchise tag. Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Allen all signed long-term contracts with their respective teams, while the Carolina Panthers traded pass rusher Brian Burns to the Carolina Panthers and the Kansas City Chiefs dealt cornerback L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans.
NFL's highest-paid safeties
1. Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $21.025 million per year (four years, $84.1 million)
2. Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers: $19 million per year (four years, $76 million)
3. Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers: $18.247 million per year (four years, $72.988 million)
4. Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers: $16.75 million per year (four years, $67 million)
5. Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons: $16.005 million per year (four years, $64.02 million)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Antoine Winfield Jr. contract: Bucs star is NFL's new highest-paid DB
