Breaking News: Buccaneers Secure $140.6 Million OT Extension in High-Stakes NFL Deal
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs have agreed to a five-year, $140.63 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The deal includes $88.24 million guaranteed, the highest guaranteed amount for any offensive tackle in the league.
Wirfs, a three-time Pro Bowler, was in the final year of his rookie contract, set to earn $18.24 million under the fifth-year option this year. This extension ties him to Tampa Bay through 2029.
His new annual salary of $28.1 million surpasses the $28 million per year contract of the Detroit Lions’ Penei Sewell, which was finalized in April.
Wirfs, 25, attended mandatory minicamp in June but did not participate to avoid injury risks. He was also kept out of team padded practices as the new contract was being finalized. Coach Todd Bowles mentioned earlier this week that negotiations were progressing in “good faith.”
On Monday, Wirfs expressed gratitude to his teammates for their support during the negotiation process, saying, “Baker [Mayfield] and everyone have had my back this whole time. There’s no bad blood anywhere, but I felt like I needed to be out here with the guys.”
He also credited the deals of Penei Sewell and Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw for helping move the negotiations forward.
This marks the Buccaneers’ second $100 million deal this offseason, following the three-year, $100 million contract signed with Mayfield in March. They also gave Antoine Winfield Jr. a four-year, $84.1 million contract, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL, and signed wide receiver Mike Evans to a two-year, $41 million deal.
Wirfs was a first-team All-Pro in 2021 and a second-team selection in 2022. He was drafted by the Buccaneers as a first-round pick out of Iowa in 2020.
Reflecting on his journey, Wirfs said, “It’s surreal to think about it. I feel like a different person, especially now being able to see my son after meetings. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
