Is $23 Million Tristan Wirfs’ Magic Number?
June 6th, 2023
Tirstan Wirfs
It’s highly unexpected that Bucs superstar right/left tackle Tristan Wirfs will pull a Devin White next season and pout about having to play out the fifth-year option on his contract.
But it also feels unlikely that the Bucs will be in a hurry to give Wirfs an extension.
Per NFL.com, in a study of players poised to break the bank, Wirfs was the top dog among offensive linemen. The breakdown says Wirfs is projected to haul in $23 million annually after playing on his roughly $18.5 million fifth-year options in 2024. The Bucs, of course, are free to renegotiate Wirfs’ current deal at any time.
It feels like heresy to type, but Wirfs has had ankle issues the past two seasons. The Bucs might want to see if that becomes a consistent problem before the team sets out to give Wirfs a massive, historic contract.
Then there’s the X-factor of Wirfs moving to left tackle this season. He might play like, say, a $15 million left tackle rather than an elite monster at the top of the market like he did at right tackle. Then how do the Bucs’ proceed?
Regardless, count on Wirfs earning at least $20 million per year after his current contract runs out.
June 6th, 2023 at 1:40 pm
Comparing White with Wirfs is like comparing Gissele Bunshen with my grandmother Ginny….
June 6th, 2023 at 1:58 pm
If I recall correctly, Wirf’s first ankle injury was a result of getting it rolled on? Could’ve happened to anyone.
June 6th, 2023 at 2:07 pm
Its not a massive amount more than he makes now, and he is playing left tackle. Not a given that he will be just as successful, but he does have a solid foundation to fall back on and he is the best left tackle on the team currently. Its always a crap shoot as to which team has an intact line come playoff time. Cant fault the man for putting in the work and getting injured on the field doing his job.
June 6th, 2023 at 2:11 pm
Wirfs will command over $25M/year. Lane Johnson (RT) got $33M from the Eagles.
June 6th, 2023 at 2:33 pm
Wirf’s will work with the team and won’t be a baby! He will get paid because he’s that good!
June 6th, 2023 at 3:05 pm
Pay him the $$$!
June 6th, 2023 at 3:36 pm
Playing lights out, even on a bum ankle. I say he’s worth the $$$. He needs to remain a BUc. And I’d bet heavy money on him making the adjustment to LT just fine.
June 6th, 2023 at 3:48 pm
Devin White couldn’t hold Tristan Wirf’s jock let alone the big bag of money Wirf’s is going to get.
June 6th, 2023 at 4:00 pm
The best draft pick Licht ever drafted, all around the best player on the Bucs team youth, leadership and talent. Pay him what hes earned. If he can play left tackle as well as right he deserves 25 mil a year period.
June 6th, 2023 at 5:55 pm
@ Letsbucunggo
I agree.
If the transition to left tackle goes well he is worth more than $23M/season…
June 6th, 2023 at 6:00 pm
Yea I can’t go there on the “ankle issues” yet… the first one was a guy rolling up on him. That has nothing to do with being injury prone (unless that turns into a repetitively nagging injury of course).
June 6th, 2023 at 9:47 pm
The cap went up unexpectedly this year, and will get another bigger bump next year, so basically $23m in 2025 would be like $16m in 2022. If they get him for that cheap, extend him immediately, but I think it’s going to cost more than that.
June 6th, 2023 at 11:31 pm
I agree pay him now or at the start of next year either way dude deserves to be paid. Unlike Diva white he isn’t asking for a trade or more money before it’s due.
June 7th, 2023 at 1:53 am
and watch how much better the run game will be to the left this season.
No more half hearted blocking from D. Smith.
June 7th, 2023 at 3:58 am
Trask To The Future Says:
“Wirfs will command over $25M/year. Lane Johnson (RT) got $33M from the Eagles.”
.
.
Spotrack has his contract @30MM guaranteed, 20MM average per year for 4 years.
June 7th, 2023 at 6:49 am
Tristan will be compensated fairly and he knows it. There’s not a selfish bone in that man’s body.