Just how important is it to surround yourself with the right people? For the Bucs, it’s been the catalyst for an energy shift so extreme this season that even those on the outside couldn’t help but pay attention.

With new additions from free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bucs looked strong and better than ever during OTAs and mini-camp. Even the veterans in the building took notice.

“Everything starts now,” Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs said in an interview with WFLA’s Aileen Hnatiuk on Bucs Bonus. “I think for teams across the league, but it starts now, building that camaraderie across the board and that competitive edge just kind of sets the tone.”

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

Bucs Aren’t Letting Up This Offseason

Building the tone is exactly what this team has been doing. After a season ending that was less than ideal, Tampa Bay has not let its foot off the pedal this summer.

“It’s just a good group ready to go,” said Wirfs. “Yeah we don’t have pads on right now, but I know when they do come on we’re just going to be making each other better and hopefully it pays off down the season.”

Bucs DT A’Shawn Robinson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

This offseason, the Bucs focused on getting bigger across the board, but there was an emphasis on building the defensive line, with new pieces like A’Shawn Robinson, Rakeem “Nacho” Nuñez-Roches, Al-Quadin Muhammad and first-rounder Rueben Bain Jr, offensive lines around the league should be worried.

“Definitely we’ve had some competition,” said Wirfs. “Our D-line is going to be something nasty so it’s going to make us better, hopefully we’re making them better all through training camp. They definitely bring the juice over there.”

After experiencing struggles on the defensive side of the ball last season, like the infamous third-and-28 letdown during the Thursday night Falcons game, head coach Todd Bowles has been in the hot seat with many fans believing this is his last chance to step it up.

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: USA Today

Bowles needs something new and exciting to add to his scheme, or it very well may be the end of his time as head coach in Tampa Bay, or even on the league as a whole. Luckily for him, he’s been gifted some masterclass defensive players to build around.

Wirfs Praises New Look D-Line That He’ll Face In Camp

“For us, the O-line, going against Coach Bowles’ defense isn’t fun,” said Wirfs. “Just the stuff they throw at us along with the front seven we got to try and block at the same time; it’s pretty crazy so good luck to all the other O-lines out there, they’re going to have a handful.”

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Whether it’s new schemes, new athletes or new coaches, it’s clear this is a new era of Tampa Bay football. You could say energy is contagious, but I think Wirfs said it best: “Iron sharpens iron.”

Check out the full interview with Bucs’ starting left tackle Wirfs and News channel 8 WFLA’s Hnatiuk by clicking this link.

How can the Bucs be successful this season? Pewter Report discussed this in a recent Pewter Report Podcast episode. Have a watch of the episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

– Story written by Pewter Report’s Kat Beutel