Bucs need more from Antoine Winfield Jr. on defense

Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been counting on Antoine Winfield Jr. to make game-changing plays on defense. However, in the first three games of the 2026 season, that kind of impact is hard to find. Winfield has just 18 tackles through those three games, compared to 122 tackles and 6 sacks in his 2023 All-Pro season. He has not recorded any sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, or passes defended.

PFF grading has Winfield at 61.2 overall for these three games, ranking 40th among 79 qualified safeties. His coverage grade of 56.7 places him 47th, and the quarterbacks targeting him have a passer rating of 148.8. While it's possible that his production is affected by assignment and playing deep, the Bucs also have had changes around him, like Tykee Smith taking on a bigger role.

But Winfield is paid to be a difference-maker. With Lavonte David no longer leading the defense, Winfield is now one of the established veterans Tampa Bay needs to set the tone.