The Bucks have quite a few players currently under contract or who will be under contract in 2024. Perhaps no player among them makes a better case for a big-money contract extension than safety Antwon Winfield Jr.
Of course, Tristan Wirfs has seamlessly transitioned to left tackle this season and will likely command a big paycheck himself. But it always happened to Wirfs. Winfield himself may have always been on the extended side, but his play right now is on another level. he’s just making more money for himself. He’s been the Bucks’ MVP thus far, and it’s hard to deny that.
After seven games this season, the fourth-year safety from Minnesota is on track for his second career Pro Bowl selection and first All-Pro honors. And anyone who watches him play on a weekly basis would definitely argue that he deserves to be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate at this rate.
Bucs S. Antwon Winfield Jr. and Falcons QB Desmond Ridder – Photo courtesy of USA Today
So far this season, Winfield has recorded 46 tackles (25 solo stops), two sacks, six passes defended, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He seems to be making impactful plays every week.
In Week 1, he won against the Vikings with a sack fumble and a fumble recovery. Back in Week 4, Winfield also had a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in the win against the Saints.
He’s made a string of big plays over the past two weeks, the first of which was a forced fumble on Desmond Ridder as Atlanta’s quarterback tried to cross the goal line. Winfield chased him and punched the ball out, The result was a touchback, giving Tampa Bay the ball and keeping the team in the game.
And in Thursday night’s loss to the Bills, he helped lead the Bucks back into a game they had no control over. Tampa Bay, which was losing 10-3 at the time and was completely behind, quickly tied the score thanks to a short field. It was primarily given to them by Winfield. He came blitzing and hit Josh Allen’s pass into the air, forcing Will Goulston to intercept it. The offense scored, tying the score at 10 points. This was another big play. First time captain.
Todd Bowles speaks highly of Antwon Winfield Jr.
Bucs S. Antwon Winfield Jr. DT Kaliya Kansi and ILB Devin White – Photo courtesy of USA Today
The Bucks have lost three straight and four of their last five games. They’re heading in the wrong direction, and considering Antoine Winfield Jr.’s weekly performance, there’s no doubt that Todd Bowles would be happy to have everyone at No. 31 level right now.
On Friday morning, Bowles had high praise for the top safety.
“The way he’s playing right now is unbelievable,” Bowles said. “Despite being a very young player, he’s still in the early stages of his career, but what he’s doing now is more like what seventh- or eighth-year players have been doing for a while. “His energy, his freshness in his day-to-day work and on the field is unbelievable.”
Winfield is only 25 years old, but he has accomplished a lot in his short career so far.and he came right back home this year Bowles returned him to his natural position of freedom and safety. Following a year in which he spent most of his time at the nickel cornerback spot.
And Bowles says there’s more than one thing that makes Antwan Winfield Jr. special.
“It’s all the combination of skill, intelligence, upbringing, football background, all the coaches I’ve had throughout my career,” Bowles said. “I think this is a testament to all the people who helped him.”
