Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs is working out a new contract with the team, but it has left his minicamp status a bit muddled. Wirfs showed up to Buccaneers minicamp Tuesday despite ongoing talks, per NBC Sports. The tackle did not show up to OTAs earlier this spring, which created some concern about his status with the squad.
It appears financial reasons came into play. Wirfs needed to show up to minicamp to avoid more than $100,000 in fines, per the outlet. The tackle however is expected to observe and not participate in minicamp activities, leaving his overall team status a bit up in the air this offseason.
Wirfs and the Bucs
The left tackle has proven to be a valuable asset to the Buccaneers. Wirfs was a key piece of the Super Bowl championship team in 2020, protecting Tom Brady. He is also a 3-time Pro Bowler, achieving that feat for the last three consecutive seasons. Wirfs was also First-Team All-Pro in the 2021 season. His pass protecting skills are as good as any lineman in the league, so it obviously makes sense that the tackle would like to be paid accordingly. He is pushing for a new contract.
While talks are ongoing, it is a good sign that Wirfs has shown up to minicamp. Although he isn't participating in activities, it shows that he is respectful of the franchise and is negotiating with his agents in good faith. The tackle is not expected to do much if any on-field drills or activities until training camp officially starts, per NBC Sports. Wirfs has played for Tampa Bay since the 2020 season, when he was chosen as the 13th overall pick in the draft.
Wirfs played his college football at Iowa. He won several awards as a college player, including Big Ten Conference Offensive Lineman of the year during the 2019 campaign. He also was First-Team All-Big Ten that season.
Buccaneers' season outlook in 2024
Tampa Bay is trying to build on the 2023 campaign, which saw the team make a good run in the NFC Playoffs. The Buccaneers upset the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round, only to lose to the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round. Tampa Bay had won the NFC South with a 9-8 record, tied with the New Orleans Saints.
The Bucs start preseason games on August 10, against the Cincinnati Bengals. The regular season starts for the squad on September 8, with a home game against the Washington Commanders. There's time for Wirfs to get a new deal, but the clock is ticking to make sure the lineman is ready for training camp.
Minicamp for the Bucs starts Tuesday and runs through Thursday. Training camp officially begins in July. Tampa Bay fans are certainly hoping for some good news with their Pro Bowl lineman.
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