The Buccaneers are chasing more than a playoff berth in 2024, and the defense has set their goal: Be the best in the NFL. During training camp, the unit will build the foundation. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will play a crucial role in manifesting that mentality on the field. Coming off a prolific season in 2023, Winfield Jr. is focused on leading by example.
"We want to be the best that we can be and that starts with me commanding the secondary to be better," said Winfield Jr. "That is what we are out here to do, work and get better than we were previously…The more years that you are in the league, the more people gravitate towards you. They watch how you practice so; I do not necessarily do anything different; I just be myself and I work hard. Hopefully the guys see that and want to be like that."
Winfield Jr. set a new standard of excellence in the Bay last year. He was named an All-Pro and subsequently became the highest-paid safety in NFL history this offseason. He amassed 122 tackles, 12 passes defensed, eight quarterback hits, 6.0 sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions in 2023 – all of which established new career highs. He became the first player since data became available in 1999 to finish a season with 100-plus tackles and at least three interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and sacks in a single season. Among defensive backs in 2023, Winfield 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).
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arriving for the start of 2024 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024.
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Palm trees during arrivals for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Palm trees during arrivals for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Palm trees during arrivals for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Marcus Banks #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16 of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tackle Justin Skule #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr. #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End Tanner Taula #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Punter Jake Camarda #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Lwal Uguak #75 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End David Wells #89 and Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tackle Brandon Walton #73 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Sua Opeta #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Cody Thompson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Tanner Knue #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Chase Edmonds #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker J.J. Russell #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Earnest Brown #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Daniel Grzesiak #57 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Elijah Klein #79 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Raleigh Webb #17 and Cornerback Tavierre Thomas #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Judge Culpepper #59 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Rashad Wisdom #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Mike Greene #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Chris McDonald #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Long Snapper Zach Triner #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Long Snapper Zach Triner #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Avery Jones #66 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 and Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46 and Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Ramon Jefferson #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Xavier Delgado #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He defends every blade of grass and galvanizes Todd Bowles' defense with high-effort play. In 2024, he is joined by a familiar face on the back end. Jordan Whitehead, who the Bucs selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, inked a two-year deal with Tampa Bay after spending the previous two seasons with the New York Jets. In his first four campaigns with the Bucs, Whitehead tallied 292 tackles, five interceptions, 25 passes defensed, 2.0 sacks and 22 tackles for loss in 59 games. He set career highs in interceptions (four) and tackles (97) in 2023. Contrary to his previous box safety role in Tampa Bay, Whitehead primarily lined up in the post for the Jets in Cover 4, preventing the big play over the top. He showcased his improved range/twitchiness and brings that added strength to the Bucs' last line of defense.
"Every opportunity that I get to go out there with Jordan is cool," described Winfield Jr. "It is so weird because obviously we played with each other my first few years in the league and then he wasn't here and then now I have him back. It is surreal seeing him next to me because I didn't think we would get to play with each other again. It's been fun, he is a great player, and he communicates. Just his energy out there, it brings a lot to our defense."
In addition to Winfield Jr., who plays like his hair is on fire, and Whitehead's rare first-step and downhill prowess, the Buccaneers defense has an infusion of speed entering 2024. Rookie nickel Tykee Smith ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash and can accelerate on a dime with impressive read-react skills to trigger. Cornerback Zyon McCollum possesses blazing 4.33 speed, as does Jamel Dean, who has 4.30-caliber recovery speed to stay with vertical threats.
"I feel like we did get faster and got smarter and we have playmakers all over," Winfield Jr. smiled.
Excitement builds for the Bucs' 2024 season, and the club's retooled secondary is certainly a contributing factor.
