Big News In Bucs’ Talks With Antoine Winfield Jr.

Until this point the Bucs have been quiet when it comes to updates about any progress in negotiations between the team and Antoine Winfield Jr.’s representatives. That was until Thursday when general manager Jason Licht went on the Pat McAfee Show and filled everybody in about what’s going on.

“We’re still working on it right now,” Licht said. “Crossing our fingers, I think there’s been some positive movement. I don’t know when that’s going to come. It takes two sides and they’re being totally fair, we think we’re being fair. He wants to be here, we want him, those things usually work out. I’m fairly positive about where things are going with that.

“He’s a hell of a player, I think (if) he keeps on this trajectory he’s also somebody that could be mentioned as Hall of Fame-worthy. I’m not afraid to admit that, I don’t think it’s going to hurt negotiations. I’ve been up front with him the whole time. He’s the best safety in the league and should be paid like it.”

A lot of great insight was given by Licht in this response. Much of it sounds similar to the Bucs negotiations earlier this offseason with the likes of Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Lavonte David. The Bucs wanted those players, but just as importantly, they wanted to stay in Tampa Bay. It’s the same type of situation for Antoine Winfield Jr., and one of Licht’s best traits is how he’s able to connect with his players.

Jason Licht Is At It Again

Not every general manger would say on a national program that the players the team is trying to re-sign should be paid like the best player at their position. It already lets them know that big money is coming. But Jason Licht has his own special way of going about it during these negotiations it seems, and the end result is always that a contract is signed.

Antoine Winfield Jr. is well on his way to being a Hall of Fame Player. Last season he played in all 17 regular season games and two playoff games. He recorded 122 tackles, six sacks, 12 pass breakups, three interceptions, four fumble recoveries and a league-leading six forced fumbles. Winfield is quite the chesspiece for Todd Bowles, and with the Bucs signing Jordan Whitehead and drafting Tykee Smith, he has a chance to be even better this season.

Winfield’s play has been a joy for everyone to see in Tampa Bay. One more thing Winfield could for Licht is agree to a deal before the July 15 deadline because Licht already has a trip to Peru planned for a family vacation.

“I’m on vacation there and it’s the last thing I want to do is [keep negotiating while] walking around the beach with my kids,” Licht said. “My wife has us hiking in Machu Pichu. I don’t know if they have cell reception there, so I want to get this done before we leave.”

Check out the whole episode of the Pat McAfee Show and his whole interveiw with Licht.