Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is reportedly “very far apart” on a long-term contract extension with the team. Wirfs is set to make $18.6 million in 2024 and is looking to become the highest-paid offensive lineman. With the 25-year-old Super Bowl Champion heading into the final year of his contract, the Chicago Bears should be inclined to trade for his services.
Sources: The #Bucs and All-Pro OT Tristan Wirfs remain “very far apart” on a long-term contract extension.
One source described the extension talks as “miles apart.” The 25-year-old Wirfs is in the final year of his contract. pic.twitter.com/wTVBiageez
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 29, 2024
Bears Should Trade For Tristan Wirfs
Background on Wirfs’ Career
Coming into the league as a first-round pick, Tristan Wirfs has quickly become one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL. A three-time Pro Bowler, 2021 First Team All-Pro, and Super Bowl LV Champion, Wirfs has created a name for himself. He remained dominant despite transitioning from right to left tackle last season, earning the second-highest pass-blocking grade, according to PFF. What makes Wirfs elite is his consistency at both run and pass blocking. He’s one of the few shutdown tackles who consistently win against the best pass rushers. Virtually no one gets by Wirfs, and he hasn’t missed a game in the NFL.
PFF also ranked Wirfs as the second-best tackle in the NFL, stating, “The Buccaneers’ decision to move Wirfs from right to left tackle before the 2023 season raised questions about whether his performance would decline. However, Wirfs recorded the second-highest pass-blocking grade among all offensive tackles and finished with a top-five overall grade for the first time in his career (83.0).”
Tristan Wirfs allowed just 24 QB pressures across 777 pass-blocking snaps this season 💥 pic.twitter.com/L8Pwu2qM9N
— PFF TB Buccaneers (@PFF_Buccaneers) February 29, 2024
Why the Bears Should Trade For Tristan Wirfs
When there’s a chance to upgrade, do it. For the Bears, the offensive line has been a weak point for the past few seasons. With all the problems on the offensive line, left tackle Braxton Jones has been solid the past two seasons as the starting LT. Jones has shattered expectations as a fifth-round pick, becoming a starter in his rookie year and a mainstay on the offensive line. That being said, he isn’t the All-Pro type of player who’s irreplaceable. Jones was ranked as the 31st-best tackle by PFF and plays one of the most important positions in football. If the Bears can go from the 31st best tackle to 2nd, then they should do it by any means.
For rookie Caleb Williams to thrive, trading for Tristan Wirfs would be ideal. He would bring his elite skillset, leadership, and Super Bowl-winning experience to the team. It’s not too often a 25-year-old All-Pro offensive tackle is potentially available, and the Bears are in prime position to trade for a guy of Wirfs’ caliber. He might be one of the best tackles ever to play the game and still has a long career ahead of him. The thought of potentially having Wirfs in a Bears uniform should make Bears fans ecstatic. He and Darnell Wright could make for an elite offensive tackle duo that will protect Williams for the next decade. Trading for Wirfs could potentially make the Bears automatic Super Bowl contenders.
Potential Trade Details
Chicago Bears Receive: LT Tristan Wirfs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Receive: LT Braxton Jones, 2025 First-Round Pick, 2026 Fifth-Round Pick
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports
