Antoine Winfield Jr.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are placing their franchise tag on S Antoine Winfield Jr. with the hopes of getting a long-term deal done.

Fantasy Impact

Winfield had a career year, grading out as PFF's top safety, earning an All-Pro nod, leading the NFL in forced fumbles, and notching three interceptions and six sacks. After an ultra-productive campaign, Tampa Bay is doing what it can to retain Winfield, and the tag is likely a placeholder meant to buy the Buccaneers time while they can have exclusive talks with his camp. Some reports said Winfield could be commanding $20+ million in his ensuing deal.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and S Antoine Winfield Jr. are reportedly progressing toward a top-of-market deal for the young safety, though a franchise tag is likely if a deal is not met before the tag's deadline.

Fantasy Impact

Winfield's tag is worth $17.123 million worth of guaranteed money, though Pewter Report is citing a figure of over $20 million as Winfield's potential worth in a long-term deal with the Buccaneers. A franchise tag could be used to buy more time for Tampa Bay for exclusive conversations to reach that long-term deal. Winfield had career-high numbers of 122 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and six forced fumbles en route to an All-Pro nod.

Antoine Winfield Jr. is a candidate to receive the franchise tag this offseason.

Fantasy Impact

Winfield is the likely candidate if the Buccaneers use the franchise tag this year with the window opening up. According to Stroud, the two sides would then look to work out a long-term deal.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield is active for Monday Night Football against the New Orleans Saints.

Fantasy Impact

Winfield missed practice all week with an ankle injury and was listed as doubtful on the team's final injury report. Winfield has been a DB1 option when healthy. Keanu Neal and the recently activated Logan Ryan will soak up snaps with Winfield, and Mike Edwards both sidelined. Keanu is a DB2 option, while Ryan projects as more of a DB3.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles told the media Antoine Winfield Jr. is cleared from the concussion protocol and is ready for Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Winfield returns after missing last week's game against the Rams. He will be a big addition to the Bucs secondary.