TAMPA, Fla. – The positivity, football knowledge, and NFL experience have allowed Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht to emerge in his career and remain a major reason why the Bucs continue to plunder the NFC South. Tampa Bay has won three consecutive NFC titles and of course, Super Bowl LV in 2020 where he drafted 12 of the 22 starters that entered that championship victory over Kansas City.
Licht sat with left tackle Tristan Wirfs at the podium after practice on Thursday as Wirfs signed the largest contract ever presented to an offensive lineman in the NFL at $140 million over five years.
“I don’t know that it was necessarily a goal coming in the NFL, but it’s just a lot of hard work, trying my best to come out there and be the best teammate I can be – the best player I can be,” Wirfs said of the record contract. “I wouldn’t be here without all of these guys. It’s pretty cool.”
Licht has spent the offseason putting together deals to keep quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans and safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. These were key players who had to return to their starting positions if the Bucs could be in position to win their fourth consecutive NFC South title in 2024.
“It was important for us to have Tristan as long as we can,” said Licht. “Hopefully, he retires a Buccaneer.”
Wirfs will be in his second season as a left tackle as he moved over from the right side last season.
“It was nice to kind of go through an offseason and not have that stress of it kind of looming over me, knowing I could go get to work,” commented Wirfs.
Luke Goedeke will work on that right side as the two talented players create bookends on the offensive line and Licht has two tackles who play off each other at the position.
“I think we can take a big step this year, especially in the run game,” said Wirfs. “I think that’s been a big point of emphasis the last couple of years. Now, it’s up to us. We’ve got to put it on our shoulders.”
Coach Todd Bowles explained Wirfs’ qualities as he mentioned his work ethic talent, athleticism and leadership and how it coincides with the image that the Buccaneers look to provide.
“This extension not only solidifies our offensive line for the future but also sends a clear message about our commitment to maintaining a championship culture and retaining the players that we draft and develop,” Bowles said.
Diaby Dodges Treacherous Injury: A tough set of circumstances came late at practice on Thursday when YaYa Diaby, who led the Buccaneers with 7.5 sacks last season, went down late in practice during a drill.
He was carted off the practice field as he had a left ankle injury. He had no fractures and an MRI showed that he potentially has a high ankle sprain. The Bucs will look to get him ready for the season opener on September 8 against the Washington Commanders.
“This is football and we’ll wait for the results to come in,” said Bowles. “He had a great camp. He’s a great player.”
Diaby was brought on the blitz 21 times and had 38 combined tackles. He enters his second season out of Louisville.
“I don’t think it looked too bad, but you know it was unfortunate,” said defensive end Logan Hall. “He’s a guy we can’t afford to lose.”
