If you would have said back in 2022 that Luke Goedeke would one day get a four-year, $90 million contract extension, even the most ardent Bucs' supporter would have labeled you crazy. Yet, in September 2025, that "what if" scenario turned into a reality after Goedeke's career arc took a drastic turn with a move to right tackle.

After two seasons of quality play back at the position he played in college, Tampa Bay rewarded him with a new deal that makes him the third-highest paid player per year at his position, behind only Penei Sewell of the Lions and Lane Johnson of the Eagles. Such an accomplishment did not come easy, but both sides are happy that Goedeke is around for the long haul.

Luke Goedeke's Career Turnaround Is "A Nice Story" Finally Being Told

Luke Goedeke turning his career around was unexpected by those on the outside, but he was always viewed as a strong option with potential to grow. It took some re-inventing on his part and shuffling along the Bucs' offensive line to make it possible, but Goedeke now sits firmly among the top five right tackles in the NFL.

Bucs RT Luke Goedeke – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

With time, reps, and trust, Goedeke has emerged as one of the NFL's top bookends opposite All-Pro Tristan Wirfs. Head coach Todd Bowles said this week that the turnaround was no accident.

"When he got here, we tried him at guard, but he played tackle in college, so we put him back out where he was comfortable, and he just comes in and puts in [work] – he brings a lunch pail every day," Bowles said. "It says a lot about Luke's work ethic, it says a lot about the organization wanting to commit to him, it says a lot about the team. You can't help but be happy for a guy like that. Luke is not an extravagant guy. He just he puts in hard work every single day and for him to be rewarded, you know, that's a nice story."

Before the news of his contract extension, Goedeke's ascension in recent years was one of the storylines not talked about enough. Fans and the organization alike are happy to see his transformation after struggling during his rookie year, but when offensive linemen turn into solid starters, they rarely earn headlines or accolades. Unless your name is Tristan Wirfs and known for being among the elite of the elite, flowers are rarely given.

That's why it is nice to see No. 67 get more recognition, because his improvement is one story seldom told.

Baker Mayfield Pokes Fun At The NFL's "Cheapest" $90 Million Man

Luke Goedeke is now a $90 million man, but don't expect him to change. Even after a life-changing payday, Goedeke is as cheap as they come.

Just ask Baker Mayfield.

"Obviously [I am] extremely happy for him," Mayfield said on Wednesday. "He deserves that. He's an unbelievable tackle. He's a guy that sets the tone for us. He won't stop until the whistle is blown, or somebody pulls him off. It's great to have a guy like that in the room and he deserves that. Really happy for him – hopefully he can pay off the loan for his window tint that he just got. He's probably the cheapest guy I know."

After shots were fired by Mayfield, Goedeke responded while also inquiring about purchasing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's minivan, asking him questions about it during his press conference this week.

In a more serious manner, Goedeke also discussed just how much this all means and how surreal his journey has been.

Bucs RT Luke Goedeke – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

"It has been a whirlwind," Goedeke said. "First and foremost: thanks to God – I would not be here without him. The front office, owners, the coaching staff, my teammates, and all the staff that make this place go day-in and day-out. They all have a piece to play in this whole ordeal, and I could not be more grateful or thankful to be where I am today.

"Where I have come from in my life and to where I am today – it is a surreal moment. I do not think it has truly hit me yet. I am the same guy day-in and day-out. I am still punching in the timecard every morning and punching out. [I am] trying to be the best teammate to help the Bucs bring a Super Bowl back to Tampa."

Luke Goedeke's Journey Is A Testament Of Hard Work, Overcoming Adversity

For the Valders, Wisconsin native who walked on at Division III Wisconsin Stevens-Point as a tight end, nothing was easy. Luke Goedeke redshirted at Central Michigan University before converting to a right tackle. After holding down that position, switching sides and blocking for legendary quarterback Tom Brady was a Herculean task and ask for any rookie.

That early adversity could've broken him.

Instead, it forged him.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs and RT Luke Goedeke – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Overcoming challenges and criticism has been a central theme of his football career, and now he is on the other side of it.

"I did not play up to expectations, got benched, and kind of took a step back and was able to get more familiar with the position and towards the end of the year, picked up on it, but then switched back to right tackle as you guys know," Goedeke added. "Adversity in life – it is going to come throughout the rest of my life – whether it be in the NFL, in day-to-day life, everyone faces it. It is how you come back from that.

"One of the big takeaways from that is: God always has a plan for you and whether you lose a rep, it was meant to happen and [you can] learn something from it. I took an approach that way and really started elevating my game from there."

Goedeke's extension does more than reward individual growth – it solidifies the Bucs' offensive foundation. With Tristan Wirfs already among the highest-paid left tackles in football, Tampa Bay now has both offensive tackle spots locked in long-term. That stability is invaluable for an offense boasting an offensive line that can still see further improvement from center Graham Barton and right guard Cody Mauch.

Financially, it also signals the organization's commitment to keeping its trenches intact. With Wirfs and Goedeke both locked up, Tampa Bay is investing significant resources in protecting Baker Mayfield. It is a premium position, and it has turned into a safe bet that Goedeke and Wirfs will remain one of the NFL's top tandems for years to come. It was not always seen that way, and for someone once written off after his first year, Luke Goedeke has turned doubt into dollars – and in the process, become a franchise cornerstone.