Bucs tag Winfield ahead of free agency

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed the franchise tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr., the team announced Tuesday.

It'll cost the Bucs about $17.1 million if Winfield plays on the tag, but the sides are hoping to work out a long-term deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Winfield has posted seven interceptions, 27 pass deflections, 11 forced fumbles, and 15 sacks since being selected with the No. 45 pick in the 2020 draft. His six forced fumbles in 2023 led the NFL.

The 25-year-old earned first-team All-Pro honors for the first time last season. He's also made one Pro Bowl.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield is now slated to hit free agency with Winfield receiving the team's tag.