Is Antoine Winfield Still A Playmaker?
September 29th, 2026
Joe is 100 percent confident Todd Bowles would say Pro Bowl/All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. is a playmaker. And Bowles would say his job is to put Winfield in position to make them.
So consider the following:
Winfield has gone 17 games without a forced fumble and 8 games without an interception. Winfield used to be a feared blitzer; he’s got 2 quarterback hits in his last 17 games and no sacks. Also in the past 17 games, Winfield has just 2 tackles for loss.
Is that a playmaker?
Is that a guy being used to his fullest?
Yeah, Joe gets that Winfield has various responsibilities and has helped cover for other defensive backs. But perhaps using him that way wasn’t the correct play?
Of course, Winfield’s performance is not all on Bowles.
For example, if Winfield was a step quicker to recognize his role against the Falcons last season, there would have been no famous “3rd-and-28” howl.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:09 am
He’s not that guy anymore Tykee surpassed him last year
September 29th, 2026 at 10:10 am
No.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:14 am
It would be interesting to see (actually measure it out) how our players performances decline after big paydays by Jason Licht.
Seems to be a common theme around this team.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:16 am
When we had SMB . Carlton and dean. He’s was great not we don’t have them type of safeties or DB to move around . He’s positioning in a one dimensional position .
September 29th, 2026 at 10:18 am
he had his moment now its gone. Can they draft someone with size and speed this the whole defense looks undersized and slow aside from Trotter Bowles has sucked the life out of this defense. Kancey, Winfield, Bain, all look too small and slow
September 29th, 2026 at 10:19 am
Seems like every player that signs a new contract/extention they seem to bag it in. Winfield is another one.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:23 am
Playmaker? Meh.
Paycheck taker.. absolutely.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:23 am
I personally just think he hates Bowles. Look at what his dad liked at the end of last year—the post calling the coaching in Tampa “malpractice.” I think he knows he’s getting paid either way and is like, “We will NEVER win with this head coach.”
September 29th, 2026 at 10:25 am
No.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:26 am
Please do something with him he’s definitely not playing the way he needs to
September 29th, 2026 at 10:26 am
Hey joes off topic but do you know what good franchises do? They admit mistakes no matter the cost. If the rookie balls out bench baker the 49ers would that’s why Evans left. Baker got Evans hurt last year hit him in stride he’s gone on that play.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:28 am
Looks like our season going down the crapper. If a team that has a FUTURE needs a safety, trade him. He’s not worth half what he’s getting paid
September 29th, 2026 at 10:28 am
Bucs fans are always turning on their stars, especially on defense! White, Davis, Dean, Vea, and now Winfield??? I know the record is 0-3 but come on everybody on here is a grown man Joe, your take is emotional, Winfield has been playing more center field the last two season and everything around him is not good, he’s not perfect, no one is but you don’t write this article due to frustration.
??? This is not emotional. Might want to re-read what’s here. Joe rolled out a bunch of numbers. Perhaps it was the wrong call to put Winfield in that role, if you think he can make plays elsewhere. Also, there’s no rule saying you can’t force fumbles making tackles from a center field position. –Joe tighten up Joe! dont let your credibility slip because you lost a gambling bet lol
September 29th, 2026 at 10:31 am
I think Winfield is still an asset for this roster, but I had strong vibes he would be traded this offseason so younger pieces. Another bunk year and I fear his value goes wayyyyy down
September 29th, 2026 at 10:32 am
When is his last year of guaranteed salary?
September 29th, 2026 at 10:33 am
No. He’s a potted plant.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:34 am
What a horrible waste letting Christian Izien go start for the Lions for 2 mil.
Izien had 11 tackles Sunday (9 Solo) and a Pass defense.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:35 am
Who?
September 29th, 2026 at 10:35 am
He got his loot. Now please trade him for picks.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:38 am
He should be traded after the bye.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:41 am
Well next year we’ll have a new coach and an actual DC.
September 29th, 2026 at 10:56 am
He is a playmaker still Bowles is just so worried about getting beat deep his safeties are so far back they can’t make plays it’s Bowles Defensive system that has this team broken yes they the defense did there job Sunday to win so I can’t blame the defense but why take Walker off the field for Nelson so much Nelson should be subbing in for Walker not the other way w around Bucky is our best Offensive player at the time followed by Emeka but Godwin is open Alot an Baker either didn’t see it or didn’t have time to see him. We shall see what this offense looks like with someone who has nothing to lose these next 3 games an I think Bakers Thumb was already affecting him he was missing Emeka on way to many easy throws
September 29th, 2026 at 10:56 am
Joe this is emotional because QBs can play away from him! You’ve been watching football long enough to know that especially from the safety position – he hasn’t given up tds, missed crazy amount of tackles or any of that. Don’t start an article saying is he still a playmaker that’s not cool!
September 29th, 2026 at 10:58 am
He’s fallen off a cliff. All he’s good for is the dramatic tackle 10 yards downfield where he grabs the ball carrier’s leg and yanks upward while his teammates come into finish the play. The fact that he’s a captain says a lot about where this team is right now.
September 29th, 2026 at 11:00 am
Bucs can’t realistically get away from him until after ’27, absent a trade. He’s not a BAD player by any means, just not $20+ mil per year
September 29th, 2026 at 11:02 am
After Anzalone he has been my biggest disappointment on defense. It seems every play you can find him somewhere in the background about 5 yards too far away to have had any meaningful impact on the play. I used to roast the field looking to make plays now I find he is used more as a safety blanket went too far away to impact the play but in position to prevent a big busted play happening.
September 29th, 2026 at 11:06 am
Hasn’t been the same since he got paid
September 29th, 2026 at 11:08 am
I think it is difficult to know what we have in this roster, the coaching is that bad. Winfield is usually camped so far from any of the action that it would be hard for him to make plays outside of cleaning up the mess happening in front of him.
September 29th, 2026 at 11:09 am
@beej but Baker worth 55, please!
September 29th, 2026 at 11:11 am
No!!!
Winfield needs to be traded
let Scott play next to T.Smith and throw Parrish back in at slot
GO BUCS!!!!!
September 29th, 2026 at 11:12 am
Something w him doesn’t feel right.
Is he happy to be here?
September 29th, 2026 at 11:21 am
No he’s done. It wouldn’t surprise me if he retires after this contract. He’s a smart guy, he played his butt off to get that big contract but isn’t playing as hard now. He is wise financially if I remember from a video they posted a couple years back so my guess is he’s going to ride this contract out, try not to mess up his long term health and enjoy the money in retirement. Can’t blame him, but he’s got no fire left, we need to trade him.
September 29th, 2026 at 11:21 am
This trend of Bucs players falling off, inefficient play or completely changing after big money paydays is gross
AWJ has def been used more as a safety blanket on defense the last couple seasons and after moving him back to safety from nickel. The dude us/was a playmaker type tho. So he’s def been used wrong the last couple seasons. But his play has still fallen off regardless and Tykee has surpassed his play.
If the season goes even more south and quickly, I’d like to see AWJ moved back closer to the ball and action just to see how much is/was it AWJ falling off or being used incorrectly for his play style the last couple seasons 🤷♂️
Also, Vea & AWJ have been below par captains/leaders the last couple seasons as well. Yet they both got voted in again this season. Tykee should’ve been a captain this season.
September 29th, 2026 at 11:23 am
At what point do we admit that they show up talented and flatten out pretty quickly under this regime ? Go ahead ………….
September 29th, 2026 at 11:26 am
Funny, after he got paid too
September 29th, 2026 at 11:27 am
That’s the thing JOE. none us will actually know. We can only speculate. Has Bowles changed his role ? A few seasons ago Winfield single handily won is a few games since he has fallen off. Here’s what I’ve notice. Bowels has developed some good players who played lights out in the beginning of their careers. White , Winfield played like some of the greats others he’s developed played key rolls in winning some tough games all the way to being SB champs. SMB,DAVIS,Whitehead, Edwards all DBs with the exception of white but all played well early and n their careers then have not gone on to get better. Say what you want about Bowles but he’s got them to play good to great then they peak. Just something I’ve noticed also you can’t hate on Zyon but he was a 5th rd pick and outside of last season has played better than most of not all 5th rd picks. That’s development right there but they hit their ceiling then that’s it’s they don’t keep going. Just something I’ve noticed.
September 29th, 2026 at 11:54 am
trade em
September 29th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Guy cost us a third SB and is now a ghost, got fat and happy, trade bait!
September 29th, 2026 at 12:15 pm
Is Antoine Winfield Still A Playmaker?
__________________
No. Next question.
September 29th, 2026 at 12:23 pm
They should just do the fire sale already and admit they fd up.
September 29th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
But Joe what about 4-14?
September 29th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
Overpaying for mediocrity. He’s a perfect trade asset
September 29th, 2026 at 12:47 pm
Shiver me timbers! Let’s look at simple football logic. Which players are the furthest away from the ball? Its safeties! If your safeties is your playmaker, you are a loser!
Which players are closest to the ball? It’s your QB, offensive line, and defensive line. If those are areas of strength in your team, then your team is good!!
If you are deficient in all three of those positions like the 2026 Bucs are, then you are a losing team. Mental midgets pay attention !
September 29th, 2026 at 12:48 pm
Shiver me timbers! Let’s look at simple football logic. Which players are the furthest away from the ball? Its safeties! If your safeties is your playmaker, you are a loser!
Which players are closest to the ball? It’s your QB, offensive line, and defensive line. If those are areas of strength in your team, then your team is good!!
If you are deficient in all three of those positions like the 2026 Bucs are, then you are a losing team. Mental midgets pay attention
September 29th, 2026 at 1:14 pm
None of them are worth their paychecks. Especially Licht, and Bowles.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:16 pm
What exactly is Winfield supposed to be doing when Bowles has him lined up literally 30 yards off the line of scrimmage on most plays? Bowles has him playing as basically a backstop, and has had Smith playing up more on the line.
It’s by design, and yes, it hurts the stats.
With that said, the defense has no been an issue this year and has mostly been very solid, to flat out good.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:23 pm
Let’s be honest. Winfield has been a good safety, not great except pretty much for one year. I know some people are going to scream, he’s a pro bowler. No he’s not, not anymore. Last year and so far this year there were games that you wouldn’t even know that Winfield is on the field because you don’t see him. Now, if he’s consistently playing deep safety that is on Bowles for not putting a so called playmaker in a position to make plays.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:26 pm
Before the end of the year I’d like the glazers to bring in a consultant like aikman did for the dolphins to evaluate the entire operation. Id specifically like them to have the consultant look at the contracts given to Luke, Winfield, zion and otton to see how badly we are over valuing our own players.
There’s not many teams that would invest that type of money in a safety.
September 29th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
Thank you Joe, thank you. I only wish Licht had been more jaded by this man’s drop-off since getting paid, maybe he wouldn’t have paid Baker and we wouldn’t be staring down the barrel now.