Report: Bucs working to make tagged Winfield NFL's top-paid safety

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Antoine Winfield Jr. are working toward a new deal that would make the franchise-tagged star the NFL's highest-paid safety, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

There's optimism an extension will be completed, adds Schefter.

Los Angeles Chargers' Derwin James is the league's highest-paid safety at $19 million per year.

Winfield and Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins are the two remaining franchise-tagged players who haven't signed a long-term deal this offseason. Seven others received extensions.

Winfield, the No. 45 pick in the 2020 draft, was named a first-team All-Pro for the first time in 2023 after producing 122 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and six forced fumbles.

The Bucs and Winfield have until July 15 to come to an agreement, or the defensive back will play on the $17.1-million tender.

Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.