Winslow's $36.1 million contract includes $20.1 million in guaranteed money — an NFL record for a tight end — as well as an additional $6 million that can be earned through incentives, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus.

"The Bucs were open to something long-term," Rosenhaus said. "It's nice to get it done."

The Bucs acquired Winslow in February from Cleveland for a 2009 second-round pick and a 2010 fifth-rounder.

The No. 6 overall selection in the 2004 draft, Winslow emerged as one of the NFL's top all-around tight ends despite injuries that limited him to two games in his first two seasons. But the fiery Winslow had a tumultuous relationship with Browns management and was never given a chance to forge a relationship with new head coach Eric Mangini before being traded.

The 25-year-old had 219 receptions for 2,459 yards and 11 touchdowns in five seasons with the Browns, and the Bucs are counting on him to play a major role in an overhauled offense next season.

Winslow reached the Pro Bowl in 2007 after notching 82 receptions for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns.

The Bucs fired coach Jon Gruden in January after losing their last four games to miss the playoffs following a 9-3 start. Upgrading the offense has been the top priority under successor Raheem Morris, who brought in former Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski as his offensive coordinator.

In addition to trading for Winslow, the Bucs placed the franchise tag on receiver Antonio Bryant, assuring him a salary of $9.8 million next season, and signed former New York Giants running back Derrick Ward to a four-year, $17 million contract.

Tampa Bay also decided against retaining quarterback Jeff Garcia, leaving Luke McCown, Brian Griese and Josh Johnson to compete for the starting job. Garcia signed with Oakland on Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.