Buccaneers Have At Least One Easy Decision to Make This Offseason

With an offseason of change coming for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, right tackle Tristan Wirfs presents an opportunity to make an easy decision for once.

There's a lot going on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers these days.

The team will have a new quarterback, offensive coordinator, and several new position coaches when we see them take the playing field again.

On top of it all, the Bucs may also look different at more positions outside of quarterback depending on some hard upcoming decisions.

But they have one easy decision to make at least, which might give everyone a little reprieve from the doom and gloom.

The easy decision to make involves picking up the right tackle Tristan Wirfs' fifth-year option.

And the reward will be a projected $18.2 Million cap hit in 2024.

Tampa Bay's salary cap situation then projects to be much better than it is currently, and even with some projected signings or re-signings, there won't be as much stress on money regardless.

Either way, keeping an All-Pro caliber tackle on the offensive line is important enough for the Bucs to swallow the price tag.

Of course, if Tampa Bay can reach an extension agreement with Wirfs instead, then perhaps they can avoid such a steep one-year expense in favor of less money for more years on average.

Wirfs' number is as high as it is because he's one of just two 2020 first-round NFL Draft picks who has made more than one Pro Bowl.

The other one is Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson who will cost his team nearly $20 Million on the fifth-year option.

What's clear three seasons after the fact is that the Bucs hit big in that year's first round when they got Wirfs as the fourth offensive tackle taken in the draft.

And as one of just six first-round players to have made at least one Pro Bowl since, it's clear that keeping him is going to cost the Buccaneers.

Big time.

But it's a great problem to have.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82

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