NFL
Big Money, I Mean Huge Money For Antoine Winfield Jr. Signs 4-Year, $84.1 Million Deal With Buccaneers
With an annual salary just north of $21 million, Winfield Jr. now holds the title of the NFL's highest-paid defensive back, surpassing Jaire Alexander's $21 million per year deal with the Green Bay Packers in 2022.
May 13, 2024
Antoine Winfield Jr. has been on a rollercoaster ride he never wanted to be on when Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht placed a franchise tag on him in March, guaranteeing Winfield a one-year, $17.123 million salary for 2024.
Winfield Jr. spent nearly three months on that rollercoaster before he scored himself what can best be described as a huge payday to remain with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Winfield Jr. will sign a four-year, $84.1 million contract.
With an annual salary just north of $21 million, Winfield Jr. now holds the title of the NFL's highest-paid defensive back, surpassing Jaire Alexander's $21 million per year deal with the Green Bay Packers in 2022.
This contract is noteworthy not only for its value but also because Winfield Jr. plays safety, a position typically less compensated compared to cornerbacks.
According to Over the Cap, before Winfield's deal, the NFL's top-paid defensive backs were all cornerbacks, including Jalen Ramsey, Marlon Humphrey, Marshon Lattimore, Denzel Ward, and Trevon Diggs.
"It takes two sides and they're being totally fair, we think we're being fair," Licht said on "The Pat McAfee Show." "He wants to be here, we want him, those things usually work themselves out and I'm fairly positive about where things are going with that. ... He's the best safety in the league; he should be paid like it."
Winfield Jr.'s contract includes a guaranteed $45 million, which is also the most money an NFL safety has ever received.
In the 2023 season, he had a standout year, registering a career-high six forced fumbles. Two of these crucial plays prevented touchdowns for the Buccaneers. In 17 games, accumulated 122 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and 12 passes defensed, all of which were career-best numbers.