Compared to other playoff teams in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only have a couple of contract extensions to take care of. Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans are the biggest names in their free-agent class, and you can expect the Bucs to do everything they can to keep them.
While the team could use their franchise tag on either of these star players, reports suggest that the team could be looking elsewhere with their selection. While it’s a surprising name for some, his production over the past season makes sense for the Bucs to use the tag on him.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers will use franchise tag on Antoine Walker Jr.
Antoine Walker Jr is one of the best defensive playmakers in the NFC South, and his production will surely warrant big money from any team who would want his services. While his contract situation is overshadowed by Mayfield and Evans, the team also want to keep him around for a longer period.
Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds wrote about the specifics of the situation the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face when it comes to tagging him:
Winfield, who played on the final year of his rookie deal in 2023, will receive a one-year franchise tender of $16.224 million if he gets tagged as expected. The playmaking 25-year old would likely reset the safety market, commanding a contract worth $20 million per year, if he were to hit free agency.
So by using the franchise tag on Winfield, the Bucs could save over $3.7 million in 2024 salary cap value rather than sign the former second-round pick to a long-term contract right now.
Winfield is a talented safety who can also be a contributor on the pass rush. The 25-year-old playmaker, who was named to the First-Team All-Pro last season, scored three interceptions, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 6.0 sacks, and 76 solo tackles.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need Antoine Winfield Jr. in their team if they want to make another Super Bowl run in the near future, so using the tag on him is a great team-building decision. They will just have to find a way to sign both Mayfield and Evans to less money so they can build a strong roster.
