Three-time Pro Bowler Tristan Wirfs is seeking a new contract and may request a trade after skipping OTA’s. According to reports, the left tackle plans to continue his absence from practice due to stalled negotiations on a new deal. Wirfs, entering the season on an expiring contract, is avoiding the risk of injury without a long-term agreement in place.
The Buccaneers’ contract standoff with Wirfs shows no signs of resolution, with expectations that he will hold out beyond OTA’s. Tampa Bay exercised his fifth-year option last spring, keeping him under contract through 2024. Wirfs, established as one of the NFL’s top offensive linemen, likely wants a deal comparable to Lions’ tackle Penei Sewell, who recently signed a four-year, $112 million extension.
Wirfs, a three-time Pro Bowler, and 2021 All-Pro was instrumental in protecting Tom Brady during the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl-winning season. Tampa Bay has had an active offseason, re-signing key players such as Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield, and Mike Evans.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Wirfs does not plan to attend voluntary practice soon. The situation could escalate if he misses mandatory camp, fueling trade rumors. Recent high-profile contracts for offensive linemen, like Houston Texans’ Laremy Tunsil and New York Giants’ Andrew Thomas, might influence Wirfs to hold out for a lucrative deal, potentially exceeding $25 million per year.
Given their financial commitments to other key players, the Buccaneers may struggle to meet Wirfs’ demands. If a trade becomes necessary, potential destinations include the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, and Baltimore Ravens. The Saints, despite drafting Taliese Fuaga, might want proven talent, though a trade within the division is unlikely. The Chiefs could use Wirfs to bolster their line, especially with Wanya Morris facing legal issues. The Ravens might seek Wirfs to support Ronnie Stanley, whose knee injuries have hampered his performance.
