The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today re-signed safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
Winfield Jr., who earned first-team All-Pro honors for his play in 2023, amassed 122 tackles, 12 passes defensed, eight quarterback hits, 6.0 sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions – all of which established new career highs. He became the first player since data became available in 1999 to finish a season with 100+ tackles and at least three interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and sacks in a single season.
"Antoine has exemplified the type of player and person we value in our organization," said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. "His work ethic, dedication, and performance have been nothing short of exceptional. Antoine has been a huge part of our success since we drafted him four years ago, and we are very much looking forward to his continued presence as one of the leaders of this team."
Winfield finished the year with a share of the league lead in both forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, joining Haason Reddick (2022) as the only players to accomplish that feat since at least 2000. He was also the lone defensive back since 2000 with 6.0+ sacks and six-or-more forced fumbles in a season, and the lone defensive back with seven-or-more takeaways and 5.0+ sacks.
Among defensive backs in 2023, Winfield Jr. finished first in sacks (6.0), first in forced fumbles (six), first in fumble recoveries (four), tied for third in takeaways (seven) and third in quarterback hits (eight). Winfield Jr. earned a 91.2 grade from Pro Football Focus, putting him as the league's highest-graded safety in 2023. He led the NFL in most games with a takeaway and a sack last season, with four-such performances.
"It's hard to express what a player like Antoine Winfield Jr. means to our team," said Head Coach Todd Bowles. "He's a dynamic player whose presence elevates our team every day and whose work ethic inspires those around him. Between his football IQ, his leadership, and his relentless drive, he sets the standard for what it means to be a Buccaneer."
In addition to earning All-Pro recognition in 2023, Winfield Jr. earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2021 and was a member of the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2020. The 2020 second-round pick started on Tampa Bay's Super Bowl LV championship team.
Since entering the league in 2020, Winfield Jr. leads all defensive backs in sacks (15.0), quarterback hits (21), forced fumbles (11) and fumble recoveries (eight). He also ranks tied for seventh in takeaways (15). Among all players, Winfield Jr. leads the NFL since 2020 with 19 combined forced fumbles plus fumble recoveries.
Winfield Jr. was also named the Buccaneers nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2023.
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