Tristan Wirfs Looking To Become Highest-Paid Offensive Lineman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is entering the option year of his rookie deal on an $18.2 million salary in 2024. Wirfs is undoubtedly looking for a contract that will make him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in football with an average yearly salary of $25 million-plus after moving to left tackle last year. He didn't participate in organized team activities or team drills during minicamp this offseason as a result. The Buccaneers could wait to try to sign him until after the season, as they did with some of their free agents this year. The 25-year-old could hold out in training camp this summer if he doesn't have a long-term deal by then. Wirfs was the 13th overall pick in 2020 out of Iowa and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons. He has started all 63 games that he's appeared in over his first four years in the league.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs reported to mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, but he is not participating in practice as he seeks a long-term extension with the organization. Wirfs' fifth-year option was picked up this offseason, but the three-time Pro Bowler is looking to get paid. After spending the first three seasons of his career at right tackle, the Iowa product moved to the left side in 2023. Overall, he has played and started in 63 games and has not registered lower than an 81.8 PFF grade in a single season. Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell, who was drafted one year later, signed a four-year $112 million contract this offseason. Wirfs could sign for a similar price point before the offseason wraps up.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs said that his move from right to left tackle this spring became a source of such debilitating anxiety that he started seeing team sports psychologist Joe Carella. "It seems like so minuscule, like oh, you're just flipping sides, but I was like having breakdowns about it," Wirfs said. "I'm like, 'I can't sit here with these thoughts anymore, I'm just kind of setting myself up for failure.'" He had started 46 games for Tampa at right tackle since his rookie season in 2020, and Wirfs only started four games at left tackle in college at Iowa. On top of it, the Bucs were undergoing a scheme change on offense this spring and are without seven-time Super Bowl-winner Tom Brady. The 24-year-old has been a Pro Bowler each of the last two years at right tackle.
The Buccaneers will exercise the fifth-year option on offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. The 24-year-old was taken with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Since then, he's been a formidable presence for Tampa, starting 46 games while earning a trip to the Pro Bowl twice in his first three seasons. Wirfs will make a base salary of $2.82 million in 2023 and $18.244 million in 2024. However, the Bucs will surely try to work out a new deal in the near future.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have discussed the possibility of moving All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs to the left side in 2023. He would have to be comfortable with the move, but the early belief is that he's open to the possibility. It makes even more sense after the team just released left tackle Donovan Smith for salary cap purposes on Tuesday. Wirfs has made the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons, but there's no guarantee he'd be as effective on Tampa's O-line while serving as the starting left tackle. The 24-year-old missed three games in 2022 with an ankle injury but didn't miss a single game in the first two seasons of his career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said he doesn't think right tackle Tristan Wirfs (ankle) will be able to play in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday despite doing some work in practice on Wednesday. Wirfs is battling a high-ankle sprain and has missed the last two games due to the injury. The 23-year-old will probably have to return to a full practice for Tampa to feel comfortable throwing him back out there. His return will be a big boost to the Bucs' offensive line, but that may not come this weekend. If Wirfs misses a third straight game, Josh Wells should draw another start at right tackle.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (ankle) is expected to miss three to four weeks after injuring his ankle in the Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns, according to a source. His knee is fine. Considering out the injury looked initially, it's a pretty good outcome for the team's standout offensive lineman. If he doesn't have any setbacks, Wirfs could return at the tail end of the regular season for a potential playoff run if the Bucs are able to win the NFC South division. With the 23-year-old out a few weeks, Josh Wells is expected to take over as the team's starting right tackle. It's a big downgrade for Tampa's offensive line and the offense as a whole heading into a Week 13 game against the New Orleans Saints.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (foot) was carted off the field during Sunday's loss to Cleveland. He was seen wearing a walking boot after the game. Fortunately, while the injury looked severe, X-rays were negative, so the Bucs may have dodged a bullet. Tampa's offensive line has done a fantastic job keeping 45-year-old Tom Brady upright this season. However, Brady could be without one of his top protectors moving ahead, which isn't ideal for an offense that's struggled at times throughout the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (oblique) is luckily not expected to miss much time. In fact, the young tackle is expected to suit up for Week 1 of the regular season. He exited early during Thursday's practice, but the team doesn't believe this is a serious issue. This is great news with the Bucs already have a banged up o-line, so getting Wirfs back is a huge upgrade. The All-Pro tackle is going to be key to holding Tom Brady's right side this season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs (core) exited Thursday's joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. Although there hasn't been much information released surrounding the issue, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported the All-Pro is dealing "with some sort of left core injury." The team should have an update on his condition relatively soon. However, with the Bucs already bracing to be without Pro Bowl center Ryan Jensen (knee) during the regular season, losing Wirfs won't be ideal for the 45-year-old Tom Brady.
