Winfield set new career highs last season with 122 tackles, 12 passes defensed, 8 quarterback hits, 6.0 sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions. He was named to the Associated Press All-Pro first team in 2023 for his efforts. He made history by finishing a season with more than 100 tackles, three interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and sacks—a feat not seen since data became available in 1999. Winfield cemented his position in the league hierarchy by achieving a Hall of Fame-caliber season the previous year. In addition, he was the only defensive back since 2000 to have both six or more forced fumbles and 6.0 or more sacks in a season, as well as the only one to have both seven or more takeaways and 5.0 or more sacks.

His 2023 defensive back stats were as follows: he led all defensive backs in sacks (6.0), forced fumbles (six), fumble recoveries (four), takeaways (seven), and quarterback hits (eight). With four of these efforts in 2023, Winfield lead the NFL in the number of games with a takeaway and a sack. Winfield leads all defensive backs in sacks (15.0), quarterback hits (21), forced fumbles (11) and fumble recoveries (eight) since joining the league in 2020. In terms of takeaways (15), he is tied for eighth place. Since 2020, Winfield has had the most forced fumbles (19 total) and fumble recoveries of any player in the NFL.

The Buccaneers signed receiver Mike Evans, inside linebacker Lavonte David, quarterback Baker Mayfield, and kicker Chase McLaughlin in addition to giving Winfield a big contract. Winfield will be a key member of the Bucs secondary as they compete for an NFC South championship for the fourth time in a row in 2024. Winfield leads defensive backs in PFF’s grade since joining the league with a 91.3.

 I believe that if he continues on this path, he is someone who deserves to be discussed in the Hall of Fame,” Bucs General Manager Jason Licht stated last week on the Pat McAfee program. “I have no problem owning up to that. It won’t hurt negotiations, in my opinion. He is the best safety in the league, and I have always been honest with him about that. He ought to be compensated accordingly.”

Winfield sets the tone for Todd Bowles’ defense as a deadly blitzer, a hard-hitting tackler, and an innate center-field free safety. Winfield plays with an intense focus on the football, as if his hair were on fire. He’s become an expert at punching out balls and spotting good angles to pursue runners. When he lines up in the post or sets the edge against the run, Winfield is a skilled player in the slot. Following one of the most spectacular defensive backfield performances ever seen—as shown by an extraordinary stat line—Winfield was duly honored.