TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers normal supervisor Jason Licht has fulfilled a prophecy he spoke into existence on the NFL mix in February — they usually’re phrases that would result in the workforce having one other boat parade.
“I imply, if we are able to re-sign Mike [Evans] and Baker [Mayfield] and Lavonte [David], Chase [McLaughlin], Antoine [Winfield Jr.] and Tristan [Wirfs], I imply, we ought to be throwing one other boat parade,” Licht mentioned.
That was earlier than all six acquired extensions, with Wirfs’ finalized Thursday. The 2 sides reached settlement on a five-year, $140.63 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL historical past, sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday. The deal additionally contains $88.24 million assured, a supply mentioned, probably the most assured cash for any offensive deal with.
“That is the best offseason I can think about since I have been right here,” Licht mentioned Thursday. “So if anyone has a ship, let me know after this.”
Whereas no date has been set for when a cavalry of boats will float down the Hillsborough River once more, it does imply that this workforce is positioned to contend for the following a number of years regardless of a whole roster overhaul post-Tom Brady retirement. It meant enjoying with over $80 million in useless cash in 2023.
“I believe again on the time final yr, I mentioned that it was difficult nevertheless it was a enjoyable problem,” Licht mentioned. “It is what the scouts are wired for. Bringing in, turning over the roster and have enjoyable with it. Looking for sleepers, looking for worth and attempting to, however then additionally to tie a bow round it with rewarding our personal like Tristan and Antoine, Mike and Lavonte, and bringing Baker in and having, seeing the success that he had. It is simply very rewarding for all of us.”
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Licht did admit that it was a “aid” to have the negotiations wrapped up.
“It is arduous to not really feel nice,” Licht mentioned. “We have some nice gamers. The seasons, you may’t predict what is going on to occur throughout the season. There’s a variety of issues which might be out of everyone’s fingers, however we now have the inspiration of men like Tristan that you just construct a workforce round. … However the factor that will get me probably the most excited in speaking to folks is simply the camaraderie and the vibes which might be going by our workplace proper now. From gamers to coaches to [head athletic trainer] Bobby [Slater] and the coaching room, the tools room, everyone. It’s at an all-time excessive proper now, so hopefully that transfers to the sector.”
An indication of that camaraderie got here when a number of of Wirfs’ teammates — together with Mayfield — took a front-row seat for his information convention Thursday, together with Wirfs’ girlfriend, Meredith Sutton, and toddler son, Julius.
“I believe we now have a variety of guys that care. I imply, I believe Jason mentioned it as nicely — one of many closest models I have been part of throughout the board,” Wirfs mentioned. “It is enjoyable being out of form. Guys love coming on the market competing, and that is what it’ll take, us competing day by day, popping out with consideration to element, attempting to get higher and pushing one another to do one of the best we might be. Tremendous Bowl is clearly the purpose. I believe that is the purpose for everyone. Simply doing no matter it takes to get again there and lifting that trophy. It is a rattling good feeling. So you bought to do it once more.”
Wirfs’ hope is that the offensive line can take one other step ahead by bolstering the bottom sport. The Bucs statistically had the league’s worst dashing assault final yr with 1,509 complete dashing yards.
“I believe it has been a giant level this previous couple of years, so I believe now it is as much as us,” Wirfs mentioned. “We have to place it on our shoulders. I believe we supply that job nicely. We’re completely up for it, so it’ll be thrilling. It may be actually enjoyable. I believe a variety of us, it is actually cool to see how a lot all of us care and need to be in an elite unit. So it’ll be a variety of enjoyable to go on the market and provides it our all alongside these traces.”
