Wirfs becomes the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history after getting the largest contact the Bucs have ever had
Tristan Wirfs is now the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history after getting the largest contract in Bucs history, agreeing to a five year deal worth $140.63 million dollars;
Sources: Bucs and three-time Pro-Bowl OT Tristan Wirfs reached agreement on a five-year, $140.63 million contract extension that now makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Wirfs was in the final year of a contract scheduled to pay him $18.24 million… pic.twitter.com/J6LsFEB9Of
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 1, 2024
It was reported by some that the Bucs and Wirfs were “miles apart” on a deal while others – including Wirfs himself – reassured fans that there were just some small hurdles to get over inn order to get this deal done. Now Wirfs is locked in with the Bucs for the next six years as the franchise left tackle.
Wirfs made the switch from right to left tackle last season and was one of the most dominant in the league, even after sustaining an ankle injury against the San Francisco 49ers – which subsequently was also the first game in 2023 when he allowed a sack. Now, a player well on his way to being the best left tackle in the league has reset the market for linemen in the NFL.
There were plenty of people excited for Wirfs at practice Thursday morning, especially offensive coordinator Liam Coen;
Bucs T Tristan Wirfs gets a hug from offensive coordinator Liam Coen after agreeing to a 5 year contract worth more than $140 million, the richest in NFL history to an oftensive lineman. pic.twitter.com/7n7rLFoATd
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 1, 2024
Jason Licht expressed his desire to bring back Wirfs along with Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Lavonte David, and Antoine Winfield Jr, saying if they did that they could throw another boat parade. Now, key members of the Bucs’ present and future are locked in for this season and beyond.
A lot of attention will now turn to Chris Godwin who is in the final year of his deal. If Licht can manage to keep him in pewter and red, he should widely be considered for GM of the year.