General manager Jason Licht put the money where his mouth is, making Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL on Thursday.
Wirfs agreed to a five-year deal to end his “sit-in” contract dispute with a pact reportedly worth up to $140 million. The Buccaneers did not confirm the dollar amount of the contract but in a news release Thursday said Wirfs’ deal “makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.”
“From the day he walked in the door, Tristan has brought a work ethic and a commitment to greatness that has elevated everybody in the building,” Licht said in a statement trumpeting the signing. “He has established himself as a premier offensive lineman in the league and has become an unquestioned leader inside the locker room. Tristan is pivotal to our success as a team, and we are ecstatic to retain a player and a person of his caliber. We are proud to have him as a cornerstone of our team and we look forward to achieving more great things together.”
Wirfs, 25, participated in some drills early in camp but opted to observe padded practice while working on a new deal.
His contract is the fifth for the franchise to a player at least $20 million annually.
The Bucs moved Wirfs to left tackle last season after three seasons at right tackle. They picked up his fifth-year option that would’ve paid him $18.6 million this season but both sides were committed to reaching a long-term extension.
Licht told reporters Sunday that Wirfs deserved to be the highest-paid lineman in the league. His deal averages $28 million per season, eclipsing Minnesota Vikings tackle Christian Darrisaw’s offseason extension paying him $26 million per year.
“I can promise you this, Tristan’s gonna be playing for the Bucs this year. He’s gonna be playing for the Bucs in the distant future. I think we’re gonna get something done at some point, I just can’t tell you when. … I’m optimistic that hopefully it will be soon,” Licht said before the contract agreement.
Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield helped break the news coming onto the field for Thursday’s training camp session, looking into cameras and announcing, “My friend just got extended.”
The Buccaneers’ social media accounts shared the brief video and this message: “Baker’s friend (and the highest-paid offensive lineman in @NFL history) just got extended.”
The Bucs selected Wirfs No. 13 overall in the 2020 draft out of Iowa. He has started all 63 games he has played in, making the Pro Bowl the past three seasons and earning All-Pro honors in 2021.
He’s the latest homegrown product signed to a massive contract since the end of last season, joining linebacker Lavonte David, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and wide receiver Mike Evans. The Bucs also kept Mayfield, who came to Tampa Bay on a one-year pact prior to 2023, on a $100 million deal prior to the start of free agency.
“Tristan perfectly fits the mold of what we look for in our players,” head coach Todd Bowles said in a statement Thursday. “His relentless work ethic, elite athleticism, unmatched talent and leadership qualities make him an invaluable asset to our team. This extension not only solidifies our offensive line for the future but also sends a clear message about our commitment to maintaining a championship culture and retaining the players that we draft and develop.
“Tristan’s presence is felt everywhere in this organization — from the field, to the locker room, to the weight room and meeting rooms. I’m excited to see him continue to help lead our team.”
–Field Level Media
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