Winfield’s deal sets standard for DBS
All-pro safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. has agreed to a four-year, $84 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that makes him the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL.
Winfield, 25, had been due to earn just over $17 million next season under the franchise tag.
The signing continues a solid offseason as general manager Jason Licht’s top priority was to retain the core of a roster that’s won three consecutive NFC South titles.
Winfield was a second-round draft pick in 2020, became an immediate starter and helped the Bucs win the Super Bowl as a rookie.
He’s the son of former Minnesota Vikings standout cornerback Antoine Winfield, Sr. and leads all NFL defensive backs in sacks (15), quarterback hits (21), forced fumbles (11) and fumble recoveries (eight) since entering the league.
Now that a long-term deal is in place with Winfield, Licht figures to turn his attention to securing a contract extension with Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who is scheduled to earn $18.2 million in 2024 under the club’s fifth-year option.
■ Lions: Detroit and quarterback Jared Goff have agreed to a $212 million, four-year contract extension in a deal includes $170 million in guarantees.
This past season, Goff led the Lions earn two playoff victories in one postseason for the first time since winning the 1957 NFL title.
He led the franchise to its first postseason win in 32 years, beating the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC wild-card game, and to a victory over Tampa Bay before losing at San Francisco in the NFC championship game.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes acquired Goff and a pair of first-round picks for Matthew Stafford three years ago from the Rams, his former team.
Goff, 29, was entering the final year of his current deal. He will be under contract in Detroit through the 2028 season.
■ Chiefs: The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will open the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5 in a rematch of the AFC title game, the NFL announced Monday.
The Chiefs-ravens opener at Arrowhead
Stadium will be a Thursday night game on NBC.
The league also announced the Dallas Cowboys will open in Cleveland on Sept. 8, which will also be the broadcast debut for Tom Brady with Fox.
The NFL will release the entire 2024 season schedule on Wednesday night.
■ Bills: Buffalo coach Sean Mcdermott is getting help to address his red challenge flag decisions by adding former NFL official John Parry to his staff as an officiating liaison.
While most networks have hired former officials to provide analysis on penalties, the Bills are believed to be the NFL’S first team to add one to their staff.