Bucs starting left tackle Tristan Wirfs is considered a great player in the NFL. It was inevitable that he was going to end up on the NFL’s Top 100 list and it finally came to fruition in the latest announcement. Wirfs clocked in at 52nd overall among the league’s best, just one ahead of Rams wide receiver Davante Adams at 53 and behind Bears quarterback Caleb Williams at 51.

He joins Baker Mayfield (77th) as the only Bucs ranked in the top 100. In all likelihood, they will probably be the only players to represent Tampa Bay out of all the players.

It’s a commendable accolade for Wirfs, who is a two time first team All-Pro and has been to five Pro Bowls. He has made the top 100 rankings every year since entering the league in 2020 as these rankings are referenced from what was done the year prior.  What’s fascinating to see is despite a down year for Tampa Bay and missed time on the season from Wirfs, the 52 ranking he received is the third best he’s had in his career and the best he’s had when he wasn’t on a first team All-Pro.

Here are his rankings from season to season.

2021: 89

2022: 41

2023: 98

2024: 85

2025: 28

2026: 52

Wirfs Played Great Despite Bucs Struggles

Many have argued that Wirfs should be a top 10 player every year. While that’s likely true, a lot of this is premised off of what was done the season before. Wirfs opened up a lot of rushing lanes for Tampa Bay’s ground game, but he also missed the first three games of the year coming off of offseason injury on his knee. Then he later on missed the penultimate game on the schedule.

Bucs RB Sean Tucker and T Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: IMAGN Images

What also makes it tough for Wirfs compared to other players is that the Bucs went 8-9 and Wirfs played a position where there’s not a lot stats. He can’t put up statistics the way a running back or receiver game, proving his great production even if there’s a smaller sample size. His presence was always felt, though.

Tristan Wirfs’ insertion into this list comes as no surprise. He is widely regarded as one of the premier offensive tackles in all of football, and has seamlessly transitioned into one of the league’s most dominant left tackles. His combination of athleticism, power technique and mobility has made him a cornerstone piece in protecting the blindside of quarterback Baker Mayfield and being a leader on the offensive side. He’s a player that opposing defenses must account for every snap.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

What makes Wirfs especially valuable is his consistency. Whether facing elite edge rushers or anchoring in the run game, he’s been as reliable as any lineman in the NFL. Recognition like this only reinforces what’s already well known inside the building, that the Bucs have one of the best in the business and a future Hall of Famer. That’s what made Wirfs’ absence at the beginning of the season such a shocking revelation.

Wirfs Had Highlight Moment With First Career Touchdown

Wirfs achieved a new career milestone last season by recording his first touchdown in the NFL. He caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Baker Mayfield in 20-17 win over the Cardinals coming in Week 13 in front of the home fans at Raymond James Stadium.

The Bucs brought in offensive tackle Charlie Heck and lined up as an extra offensive lineman on the right of the line, allowing for Tampa Bay to report Wirfs as en eligible receiver on the left side. Of course nobody expected Wirfs to get the ball so he was wide open in the end zone on the play. Afterwards in celebration of the the touchdown, he jumped into the arms of Graham Barton and was lifted up in the air for a fun moment.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs and C Graham Barton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Wirfs and company hope to make more highlights in the 2026 season. Tampa Bay will look to regain their top position in the NFC South while returning to the postseason. Having him for the full season will play an important role in this coming through.