NFL Rumors: Tristan Wirfs Skipping OTAs, Seeking New 'Long-Term' Contract from Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a substantial hole along their offensive line at the start of OTAs this week.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported on Tuesday that Bucs offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs didn't report for voluntary workouts and "doesn't plan to in the immediate future" while he's seeking a long-term contract. Fowler added that the two sides "have not made progress on a new deal."

Wirfs is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will be making $18.6 million from his fifth-year option. That figure wouldn't crack the top 10 on the list of the NFL's highest-paid offensive tackles.

The No. 13 pick in the 2020 draft, Wirfs has already proven to be a franchise cornerstone. He began his career at right tackle before making the switch to left tackle at the start of the 2023 season. He appeared in all 17 games last year and played 100 percent of Tampa Bay's offensive snaps on his way to earning his third straight Pro Bowl selection.

The 25-year-old helped the Bucs win a Super Bowl in his rookie season. He also earned a first-team All-Pro selection in 2021 and a second-team selection in 2022.

Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team predicted last month that Wirfs could be in line for a record-setting contract this offseason.

"He's going to try to surpass the $25 million per year that Laramey Tunsil is getting in Houston," Meirov said. "He started his career at right tackle [and] was an All-Pro there. He moved over to left tackle last year, Tampa Bay wanted to see how [that was] going to go, and he was perfect once again. ... It is time to pay him some huge money. Expect him to go over $25 million per year."

It sounds like it will take some time before Wirfs lands the contract extension he desires, but the Bucs would be wise to reward him with a new deal that would keep him in the fold for the foreseeable future.