BREAKING NEWS: Tampa Bay Buccaneers about to Use Franchise Tag on star player to save $3.7 million

Compared to other playoff teams in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers only have a few contract extensions to deal with. Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans are the top names in their free-agent class, and the Bucs will do everything they can to keep them.

While the organization could deploy the franchise tag on either of these elite players, reports indicate that the team may look elsewhere for their selection. While his name may surprise some, his performance this season makes it understandable that the Bucs would put the tag on him.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will deploy the franchise tag on Antoine Walker Jr.

Antoine Walker Jr. is one of the top defensive playmakers in the NFC South, and his production will undoubtedly command a high salary from any team that wants him. While Mayfield and Evans’ contract situations eclipse his, the organization also wants to retain him around for a longer period of time.

Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report writes on the facts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ dilemma when it comes to tagging him.
Winfield, who is in the final year of his rookie contract in 2023, will receive a one-year franchise tender of $16.224 million if tagged as predicted. If the playmaking 25-year-old enters free agency, he will most certainly reset the safety market, commanding a contract worth $20 million per year.

Using the franchise tag on Winfield, the Bucs may save roughly $3.7 million in 2024 salary cap value rather than signing the former second-round choice to a long-term contract straight away.

Winfield is a talented safety who can also contribute to the pass rush. The 25-year-old playmaker, who was selected First-Team All-Pro last season, recorded three interceptions, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 6.0 sacks, and 76 solo tackles.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need Antoine Winfield Jr. on their squad if they want to make another Super Bowl run in the near future, so applying the tag to him is a great team-building move. They’ll just have to find a way to sign Mayfield and Evans for less money so they can assemble a solid roster.