One of the Bucs’ biggest offseason dominoes has fallen in an expected manner, as the team is franchise tagging All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. This is according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz and confirmed by Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds.

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, and it is believed that both sides will hammer out a deal that could see Winfield reset the safety market.

Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

If July 15 comes and both sides have failed to reach an agreement on a long-term extension, Winfield and the Bucs 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 at least $19 million – and perhaps $20 million – per season. Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James is the league’s highest-paid safety, earning $19 million per year.

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 due to the fact that he comes with the least expensive franchise tag amount. Now, we’ll see whether this move sets any others into motion, as the Bucs still have Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield, legendary linebacker Lavonte David and outstanding kicker Chase McLaughlin to get under contract for 2024.

Tampa Bay was able to re-sign wide receiver Mike Evans to a two-year deal worth a maximum of $52 million per year, including incentives.

Antoine Winfield Jr. Has Been Critical To Bucs’ Success

Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

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.