Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs has been one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles since being drafted 13th overall in 2020. Though just 25 years old on his current trajectory, Wirfs has a chance to finally establish himself as one of the best upfront players in the game.
Wirfs can also accomplish that while still in a red and pewter uniform, as he and the team continue to negotiate a long-term contract to keep him in Tampa Bay. Latest Entries Offensive tackles continue to rank highly in ESPN’s annual position rankings, and league executives, coaches and scouts have specifically praised the value he brings up front.
AFC scout on Tristan Wirfs: “There’s very little he can do with his size”
Buccaneers LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Tristan Wirfs is a true rarity as an offensive tackle.
Wirfs began his NFL career as an elite right tackle and performed well, but last season he made the risky decision to switch sides to protect left tackle, quarterback Baker Mayfield’s blind spot.
it is Mentally Weighed He couldn’t see it, but he made the transition seamlessly on the field, without a moment’s lag. Wirfs’ ability and overall skill earned him the No. 4 spot in ESPN’s offensive tackle rankings, behind 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, Lions right tackle Penei Sewell and Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil. That explained his ranking.
Already an All-Pro selection at right tackle, the Buccaneers asked Wirfs to move to left tackle in 2023. Wirfs did just that, helping Tampa reach the playoffs in Baker Mayfield’s first year at quarterback.
I feel like Wirfs could be higher on the list next year after playing another full season on the left wing, and the voting was very close between Sewell, Tunsil and Wirfs, all three of whom appeared on every ballot.
Buccaneers LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
“He’s really talented. He had to make some adjustments early in the season and was dominant on the right side, but he started playing at a high level in the second half and got a lot better as the season went on,” said an NFL personnel evaluator. “Super athlete, really light on his feet, wide, slides well.”
Wirfs, who will be a free agent in 2025, could become the highest-paid left tackle this summer.
“There’s very little he can do at his size,” an AFC scout said.
Tristan Wirfs could be a solid LT for the Buccaneers in 2024 and go on to have more success.
Buccaneers LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
As mentioned above, Tristan Wirfs will settle in on the left wing for another season. It will be even better in 2024After playing the second half of the season with both a nagging ankle injury and a dislocated shoulder, the 6-foot-5, 345-pound Pro Bowl offensive lineman will be healthier and more comfortable at the position, which should translate to more consistent high-end play.
If that’s true, Wirfs’ case could move even higher up the rankings next season. Trent Williams has long established himself as a generational talent at offensive tackle and has aged like a fine wine, but Penei Sewell, Laremy Tunsil and Wirfs are also in the conversation as the best players in the game at their position.
Detroit signed Sewell to a big contract this offseason. Influenced and changed the timeline This is a chance for Wirfs to make big money, and the two will likely be closely linked for the rest of their playing careers, just as Wirfs and Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. were.
Both were selected in the 2020 draft and will enter the league as arguably the best players on their teams. Winfield is ranked as the top safety.It’s no surprise that Wirfs ranks near the top among offensive tackles.
The next step for the Buccaneers is to sign their star left tackle to a new contract that could make him the highest-paid offensive tackle in NFL history, just as “Tweed” became the highest-paid defensive back. Only time will tell when that happens, but there’s no doubt the team has two cornerstone players to carry the team, as this ranking further confirms.
