(Photo: Fox Sports)
A Quarterback is the most important position for a football team and that goes without saying. Then, you often hear people say to get him a weapon to get the ball too which is important because what’s a Quarterback without a go-to option? Next, you’ll hear about getting him protection and drafting or signing an offensive lineman. Remember, those five guys up front are also football players and without them, the Quarterback would be eating grass a majority of the time. I’ve been talking about the 2020 NFL Draft class quite a bit these last few days. Tua Tagovailoa got paid as did Jordan Love. Now, another guy from that class has received an extension. Tristan Wirfs is officially the highest-paid Offensive Tackle in football as he and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a five-year extension worth $140 million and $88.24 million in guaranteed money.
The minute he stepped on the field for the Buccaneers, he had an immediate impact which was incredible to see. Tristan is 6’5 and weighs 320 pounds, but is extremely athletic, and honestly, a man his size shouldn’t be moving as quickly and fluidly as he does. Watching him, he’s always in a great position. Tristan could be lined up against one of the elite EDGE rushers and he will hold his ground and win his battles because he’s always playing squared up and he’s low. I’ve said it here on this site or the radio, the lowest man wins and that is exactly why Tristan has been so successful in his NFL tenure. He’s become one of the three best Offensive linemen in the NFL without question. He’s consistent in his run blocking as he is in pass protection. Tristan was a wrestler when he was growing up and many of his moves on the football field today transferred over from the wrestling mat. It’s the leverage, use of hands, spatial awareness, and being able to trust your body. I feel the most important thing is keeping your balance in certain scenarios. Tristan is also powerful and can win battles without help from additional blockers which impresses me.
Tristan started all 16 games in his rookie year and only gave up one sack. He also started every game for the Bucs in the postseason and was on the team that won the Super Bowl that year. Listening to a legend will also be beneficial and come a long way. Tom Brady told Tristan not to get beat fast or beat inside and if you do those two things, everything will be fine. I’ve seen him line up against Aaron Donald and he held his own. Aaron was always a tough matchup during his playing day. Tristan has battled many of the best Defensive Linemen and stopped them in their tracks. Even in his division, his battles against Cam Jordan are always wars. This is a well-deserved deal.
