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Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs is reportedly going to be in attendance for mandatory minicamp next week, according to Jenna Laine of ESPN.
Tristan Wirfs had been absent from voluntary workouts, seeking a new contract with the Buccaneers. If he changes his mind and decides to skip all three days of mandatory minicamp, he will be subject to a $101,716 fine. It is unknown how much he will participate while at the facility, but it should be seen as a positive that he will report to minicamp.
If the Buccaneers and Wirfs are not able to agree on a long-term deal, he would play on the fifth-year option and be paid $18.244 million this season. It will be worth monitoring whether or not the Buccaneers will be able to extend Wirfs this offseason, it would be the third big contract the team hands out. The first two were quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans.
Tampa Bay signed Baker Mayfield to a contract that is not at the top of the market, but reasonable for the success he had last season leading the team to a surprising playoff run. Mike Evans is a future hall of famer, and a franchise legend who is vital for Mayfield's success. Then the third deal was safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who became the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL.
What will Tristan Wirfs' long-term deal look like?
When it comes to Wirfs, he is one of, if not the best tackles in the NFL and will undoubtedly be paid as one at some point, whether that be by the Buccaneers or someone else. Given that Wirfs plays left tackle, a premium position, and is at the top of the league, it would be a shock if Tampa Bay does not get a deal done at some point, whether that be this summer or next offseason.
Looking at Wirfs' resume, he started his career as a right tackle and immediately was one of the best in the league, winning the Super Bowl his rookie season. Now, he has transitioned to left tackle and is still one of the best. Wirfs has made three Pro Bowls and was first-team All-Pro in 2021 as well.
When looking for a comparison, Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell is a good player to look at. Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million extension with the Lions this offseason, making him the highest-paid tackle at $28 million a year.
Given how recent Sewell's extension was signed, it makes sense that Wirfs would land somewhere in that area, whether he is above or below that $28 million per year mark. $30 million could be in play, given the track record as well. Wirfs in all likelihood will sign a deal that lands within that ballpark, and it would be worth it for the Buccaneers to do that.
