Coming off the 2019 season, the Buccaneers’ organization was a few months away from permanently altering the franchise’s trajectory. The Buccaneers’ 2020 offseason was highlighted by the addition of the greatest quarterback of all time. While Tom Brady coming to your team is easily enough to overshadow any other addition, Tampa did not just add Brady. In the draft, they went out and got a premier franchise building block to protect him. Tristan Wirfs was Tampa’s first round pick that year and has
gone on to become everything Jason Licht and company would have hoped he would be. Wirfs began his career as Tom Brady’s right tackle before becoming Tampa Bay’s blindside defender for Baker Mayfield.
Buccaneers’ fans received some bad news about Wirfs recently when it was revealed that he will be missing the start of the 2025 season, however, NFL personnel still values him as the league's best.
NFL coaches, executives, and scouts have named Tristan Wirfs the top tackle in the NFL
— BucsGameday (@BucsGameday) July 16, 2025
"He doesn't have the flashy plays that Sewell has, but everything is so easy to him," an NFC executive said. "He can handle whatever you want out there and won't look particularly stressed… pic.twitter.com/VxVcGyQG0O
Jeremy Fowler, via SI.com, compiled a list of the top players at each position group. His offensive tackles list was headlined by number 78 on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wirfs, no stranger to the list, was given top-spot honors based around his athleticism and his pass block win rate.
Tampa Bay Bucs’ fans certainly do not need a reminder of how great Tristan Wirfs has been for the team, but they will be getting a reminder of how valuable he is come this September when the only ‘Wirfs’ jerseys are in the stands.
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