Three-Time Pro Bowler Wants New Contract, Could Seek Trade

Three-time Pro Bowler Tristan Wirfs wants a new contract and could seek a trade after skipping OTA’s. According to a report, the left tackle does not plan to attend which is a reason for his absence for the start of practice. The two sides have not made any progress on a new deal as Wirfs is entering the season on an expiring contract. Wirfs isn’t risking any injury by not attending practice because he wants a long-term deal with the team.

However, the stalling continues for the Buccaneers’ contract predicament as he probably will hold out beyond the OTA’s. Tampa Bay picked up his fifth-year option last spring, keeping him under contract through the 2024 campaign. Wirfs has all the rights to want a new deal after establishing himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the NFL. The Iowa product probably wants a contract that’s around the same neighborhood as Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell’s deal.

Sewell recently penned a four-year, $112 million extension that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. It’s easy to see why Wirfs is willing to wait after becoming a three-time Pro Bowler and has an All-Pro nod in 2021. The 13th overall pick made 20 starts including the playoffs while protecting Tom Brady during his record seventh Super Bowl-winning season. Tampa Bay has been having an active offseason after re-signing some of their top-tier players, including Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield and Mike Evans.

A source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Wirfs doesn’t plan to participate in voluntary practice in the immediate future. However, the trouble begins if he starts missing mandatory camp where the real rumors start swirling. Recent NFL contract moves have an impact on Wirfs and could persuade him to hold out until he gets the right price.

Three-Time Pro Bowler Tristan Wirfs Wants New Contract, Could Seek Trade

Will He Become the Highest-Paid?

It’s still unclear if Wirfs wants to be the highest-paid offensive tackle but that may be where he may be heading. However, the Buccaneers have been able to enjoy one of the best left tackles in the league at a bargain price. Those days are over, the Iowa product is in line for a historic payday after he plays out his final year in his rookie contract. Houston Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is the highest paid at Wirfs’ position after signing a three-year, $75 million contract last year.

New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas also signed a five-year, $117.5 million contract with $67 million guaranteed before the 2023 campaign. Wirfs would probably want to eclipse both of those deals, but one should expect him to go over $25 million per year. Even though he moved from right tackle to the left position, he was still dominant. According to PFF, in 777 pass-blocking reps, Wirfs graded out at 86%, allowing just 24 pressures and was flagged one time.

Considering they were able to give lucrative deals to their key starters, it may be hard to pull off another. If he doesn’t return, here are some potential trade destinations for Wirfs.

Potential Destinations

The New Orleans Saints have been doing their homework to restore their offensive line after drafting Taliese Fuaga in this year’s draft. However, they may consider adding some proven talent to help him adjust to the new system. Wirfs joining the team may cause some issues since there’s no possibility of Tampa Bay sending him to their arch-rival. However, the Chiefs need some proven talent to help new draft pick, Kingsley Suamataia.

They could make a shocking move to trade for Wirfs considering Wanya Morris was in some legal trouble this offseason. Wirfs already proven he can play more than one position so they could give him a shot. The Ravens may need some veteran-proven talent to help Ronnie Stanley. His knee injuries were slowing his production so adding Wirfs at the left guard position could relieve some pressure.