OTAs are always a fun time for fans to get to see their rookies and new free agents on the field for the first time, but the downside of this time of year is when franchise stalwarts don’t show up due to contract negotiations.
You never know how these situations will play out, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going through this right now with one of their best players.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs did not report to OTAs and doesn’t plan to do so in the immediate future as he is currently seeking a long-term contract and doesn’t want to risk injury.
#Bucs OT Tristan Wirfs did not report to OTAs and doesn’t plan to in the immediate future, per source. The multi-year All-Pro seeks a long-term contract and does not want to risk injury. Sides have not made progress on a new deal. pic.twitter.com/efdZ7aKhv5
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 21, 2024
This is a very honest approach, as some players don’t willingly give out this information.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection is set to play this season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract worth $18.24 million.
There is no reason to panic yet if you’re a Bucs fan since the team has shown a willingness to take care of its guys so far this offseason, making Antoine Winfield Jr. the highest-paid corner in NFL history with a four-year, $84.1 million deal, signing Baker Mayfield to a three-year, $100 million deal, giving Mike Evans two years for $41 million, and re-signing Lavonte Davis to a 1-year, $8.5 million deal.
Wirfs has been everything the team could have asked for since being selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2020 draft and is one of the best tackles in the league.
He is well within his right to want to get paid like one, as this is not the type of player you ever let get away.
The post Key Bucs Veteran Is Holding Out From OTAs Seeking A New Contract appeared first on The Cold Wire.