The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly reached a record-setting extension with Antoine Winfield.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Tampa Bay made Winfield the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history with a four-year, 84.1 million contract. It’s the first time that distinction has even gone to a safety.
Winfield also set a new benchmark at his position by receiving $45 million guaranteed.
The Buccaneers used their franchise tag on Winfield two months ago, but the two sides continued to negotiate a long-term extension before the July 15 deadline. Last week, general manager Jason Licht told Pat McAfee that the organization was “crossing our fingers” on striking a new deal.
“He wants to be here, we want him,” Licht told McAfee. “Those things usually work themselves out, and I’m fairly positive about where things are going with that.
Licht also wasn’t worried about damaging Tampa Bay’s leverage by claiming the 25-year-old has started his career on a Hall-of-Fame trajectory.
“He’s the best safety in the league,” Licht added. “He should be paid like it.”
Tampa Bay obliged, making Winfield the league’s top-paid safety. Derwin James previously held the honor with a four-year, $76.5 million contract signed before the 2022 season.
Although five cornerbacks have a larger total contract value, Winfield will make the highest average annual salary at a bit above $21 million. He narrowly surpasses Jaire Alexander’s $21 million per year.
Since joining Tampa Bay in 2020, Winfield has collected a Super Bowl ring as a rookie, a 2021 Pro Bowl invite, and a 2023 All-Pro nod. He set career highs in tackles (122), interceptions (three), forced fumbles (six), pass breakups (12), and quarterback hits (eight) last season.
The Buccaneers have also retained Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Lavonte David this offseason. They’ll return their nucleus after winning the NFC South title in 2023.