Wirfs is present Tuesday for the start of June minicamp, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers' official site reports.
His presence for the first mandatory practices of the offseason suggests Wirfs isn't holding out, although he could still change his mind before training camp if he doesn't have a long-term contract by then. He's scheduled to play out 2024 under the fifth-year option on his rookie contract for $18.2 million, which is well south of the average annual value he figures to eventually get on a multi-year deal. Lions RT Penei Sewell signed a four-year, $112 million extension earlier this offseason, with $85 million in guarantees and $43 million guaranteed at signing. Wirfs likely expects a similar contract and could even make a case for being paid more than Sewell.
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Buccaneers' Tristan Wirfs: Skipping OTAs, awaits new contract
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Wirfs is not present Tuesday at OTAs and does not plan to return to team facilities any time soon, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Wirfs reportedly doesn't want to risk suffering an injury before signing a multi-year contract extension with the Buccaneers, as he's currently slated to play out the 2024 campaign on the fifth-year option from his rookie contract. That would provide Wirfs a fully guaranteed salary north of $18.2 million, but the three-time Pro Bowler is prioritizing long-term security. Tampa Bay has already locked up Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Antoine Winfield with new deals this offseason.
Wirfs (shoulder) was listed as a DNP at Wednesday's estimated practice, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM NFL Radio reports.
It's unclear when Wirfs picked up the shoulder issue, but his availability for Week 18 is now in doubt regardless. He'll likely have to practice Thursday or Friday to give himself a chance to suit up Sunday.
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Buccaneers' Tristan Wirfs: Adjusting well to new position
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Wirfs' acclimation to his new position of left tackle is going smoothly thus far in training camp, Scott Smith of the team's official site reports. "He's adjusted well over there, I think," head coach Todd Bowles said. "There's probably still some kinks he needs to work out, probably when we get in pads, from a hand-placement standpoint, but I think he's done an excellent job so far."
The 2020 first-round pick has already proven a success at right tackle over his first three seasons, earning two Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro nod. He's now moving over to the opposite end of the line to replace the departed Donovan Smith and provide valuable blindside protection for either Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask this coming season, and although the Buccaneers have yet to don pads, Wirfs is displaying impressive technique thus far in drills.
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Buccaneers' Tristan Wirfs: Will work at LT this spring
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Wirfs could be the starting left tackle in 2023, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times also reported Monday that Wirfs would be making the switch to left tackle after the Bucs failed to address the spot during the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud mentioned Luke Goedeke as an option to replace Wirfs at right tackle if the the two-time Pro Bowler did make the position change. However, general manager Jason Licht said in a radio interview Tuesday that the decision to move Wirfs is not "etched in stone," so for now, it appears he will simply be working on both sides of the line during offseason workouts.
The Buccaneers picked up Wirfs' fifth-year option Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
The option on Wirfs' rookie contract was picked up ahead of the May 1 deadline, and the 24-year-old now will be locked in with Tampa Bay through the 2024 season. The 2020 first-round pick should continue to serve as an anchor for the Buccaneers' offensive line and is in line for a big payday when this contract is up.
