The young safety puts the team first.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have restructured the contract of All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., creating significant financial flexibility for the 2025 season.
Originally set to earn a $21 million base salary, Winfield’s deal was adjusted to a minimum salary plus a bonus, with a void year added. This move frees up $15.86 million in cap space, allowing the team to address other roster needs or pursue additional talent. Signed to a four-year, $84.1 million extension in 2024, Winfield became the NFL’s highest-paid defensive back, a testament to his elite playmaking ability.
Despite battling injuries last season, limiting him to nine games, he still recorded 60 tackles and two sacks. Head coach Todd Bowles expressed confidence in Winfield’s recovery, noting his relentless work ethic.
“He’s been training his butt off,” Bowles said recently. ‘Win’ is a guy who’s going to train, he’s not going to say much, he’s going to train and get back to himself. He always has a chip on his shoulder – whether he’s a first-round pick or a free agent, he’s going to practice. Him and Lavonte [David] are going to practice the same way. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be the same guy he was two years ago.”
This restructuring follows a similar adjustment to tackle Tristan Wirfs’ contract, signaling the Buccaneers’ strategy to maintain their core while managing the salary cap. Winfield remains a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s defense as they aim for another playoff run.