Philadelphia Eagles Identified As Best Fit for Game-Changing $92m Safety

admin | March 5, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have slapped a franchise tag on Antoine Winfield Jr., securing his future with the team.

But before that, the Philadelphia Eagles were seen to be the greatest fit for the safety.

The Eagles concluded last season with an 11-6 record, ranking second in the NFC East division. Despite failing to overtake the Dallas Cowboys for first place, the squad was able to secure a postseason spot.

Unfortunately, the Eagles were completely demolished by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild card round, 32-9. This stunning collapse prompted the executive administration to fire defensive coordinator Sean Desai and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson shortly after Philadelphia was eliminated.

Meanwhile, Winfield was expected to earn $92 million in his next contract after performing well for Tampa Bay last season. It remains to be seen how the franchise tag affects the safety and whether it will result in a lengthier deal for Winfield.

Philadelphia Eagles Seen As Best Fit For Antoine Winfield Jr.

Before he was signed by the Buccaneers, Philadelphia was considered the greatest landing option for Winfield. Kristopher Knox explains more in his Bleacher Report article:

“However, the Eagles could also provide a terrific landing spot for the first-team All-Pro. Philadelphia needs help on the back end, and it needs a defender who can make game-changing plays in the secondary. The Eagles are a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and they do have the type of defensive front that could free up Winfield to roam the secondary and make plays,” Knox wrote.

If Winfield had joined Philadelphia, their 30th-ranked defense could have improved by next season. Furthermore, the Eagles’ prospects of going deep into the playoffs may have been improved.

Nonetheless, the Buccaneers’ franchise tag on Winfield effectively seals the door for Philadelphia. In any event, it would be interesting to see how the safety’s career and future contracts unfold in Tampa Bay.