Tristan Wirfs Absent from Buccaneers’ OTAs Amid Contract Talks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs was noticeably absent from the team’s OTAs on Tuesday. The three-time Pro Bowler is staying away for now as he negotiates a long-term contract.

Contract Negotiations

Wirfs and the team have not made enough progress on a new deal and he does not want to risk injury.

Coach Todd Bowles, who is recovering from left knee replacement surgery and watched Tuesday’s practice from a golf cart, did not directly address whether Wirfs’ absence was due to contract talks.

“I’m aware that it’s voluntary and me and Tristan had a conversation, we’ve had plenty of conversations.” Bowles said. “He’s been here all offseason, so I’m comfortable with that.”

Wirfs, picked 13th overall by the Buccaneers in 2020, will play this season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, worth $18.244 million fully guaranteed.

Team’s Commitment

General manager Jason Licht said this week that the team is committed to giving Wirfs a long-term extension.

“It was a big puzzle this year of how to fit it all in.” Licht said Monday during a news conference to announce Winfield’s new contract. “Hopefully we can finish this off.”

The Buccaneers have spent a lot this offseason to keep their key players. Antoine Winfield Jr. signed a four-year, $84.1 million contract after being franchise-tagged. Quarterback Baker Mayfield (three years, $100 million), wide receiver Mike Evans (two years, $41 million), and linebacker Lavonte David (one year, $8.5 million) also re-signed with the team.

Next Steps

The Buccaneers are in the voluntary phase of their offseason program. Mandatory attendance begins with a minicamp next month.

This report used information from ESPN.