After a lengthy negotiation phase, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs have agreed to terms on a five-year, $140.63 million contract extension, which includes $88.24 million in guaranteed money.
That deal makes him the highest-paid tackle in NFL history and keeps him under contract until 2029. Wirfs' $28.12 million annual average edges Penei Sewell's four-year, $112 million extension. Among left tackles, Wirfs' yearly average is $2 million higher than Christian Darrisaw's four-year, $104 million contract.
The offensive lineman from Iowa has been an exceptional addition since the Buccaneers selected him 13th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. In addition to helping Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV, he's a two-time All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler.
Perhaps his most impressive feat is playing at a high level despite transitioning to left tackle last season. While he surrendered a career-high five sacks in 2023, Pro Football Focus awarded him an 81.1 overall grade and an 84.3 pass-blocking mark.
Sources: Buccaneers 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
Wirfs' contract is the fifth extension signed by a Buccaneers player this offseason. Tampa Bay also secured multi-year deals with Baker Mayfield (three years, $100 million), Antoine Winfield Jr. (four years, $84 million), Mike Evans (two years, $41 million), and Chase McLaughlin (four years, $12.3 million).
More importantly, Wirfs' contract extension means he will fully participate in the Buccaneers training camp. While he reported during the mandatory minicamp, he did not participate in the scrimmages while the contract negotiations were ongoing.
-Lance Fernandez