The 2025 NFL Draft may now be behind us, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ decisions still resonate loudly as the offseason unfolds. General Manager Jason Licht and his coaching staff have made some intriguing moves that reveal their perspective on the current roster’s strengths and weaknesses.
In a surprising twist, the Buccaneers opted for a wide receiver in the first round, a choice that raised a few eyebrows among their loyal fanbase. They proceeded to bolster their secondary with two high-value cornerbacks. However, one position that didn’t receive any fresh talent was safety. Why? Because Tampa Bay already boasts a rare gem in that department—Antoine Winfield Jr.—who many believe is on his way to being recognized as the best safety in football.
Though former Buccaneer safety Dexter Jackson, a Super Bowl XXXVII MVP, may have a bit of a bias given his history with the franchise, his endorsement of Winfield Jr. carries weight. Jackson sees a player with unparalleled versatility and talent. “When he’s healthy, he’s an All-Pro,” Jackson noted, citing Winfield Jr.’s impressive skill set, which includes the capability for sacks, interceptions, and game-changing hits. “He can do it all.”
Winfield Jr. suffered some setbacks last season due to ankle injuries, limiting him to just nine games. Nevertheless, he still managed to make an impact, recording 60 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, three pass deflections, and even recovering a fumble that he took back for a 58-yard touchdown. It’s this kind of dynamic play that excites Jackson about Winfield Jr.’s potential if he can return to pre-injury form.
The Buccaneers recently secured Winfield Jr. through the 2027-28 season with a hefty four-year extension worth $84.1 million. At just 26 years old, his best football appears to be ahead of him. In his five seasons with the Buccaneers, he has already accumulated an impressive resume: he’s started in 68 games, hauling in 444 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 30 pass deflections, seven interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, and nine fumble recoveries—along with that pivotal defensive touchdown.
With the Buccaneers’ offense slated to score points in droves, Winfield Jr. will have the opportunity to shine in gameplay situations, making those flashy, game-altering plays we love to see. As the team gears up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on him as a cornerstone of the defense and potentially the best safety in the NFL. The future certainly looks bright for Antoine Winfield Jr. and the Buccaneers’ defensive unit.
