Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs has never been one to ruffle the feathers of those around him. That is unless you’re a pass rusher lining up against him on game day. It’s made for one of the more unique situations heading into this year’s training camp where Tristan Wirfs would like a new deal, but also doesn’t want to miss time playing football.

It came as a little bit of a surprise at the beginning of training camp when Wirfs seen with a helmet and participating in practice. With other players around the league holding out, such as fellow left tackle Trent Williams and star wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and CeDee Lamb, Tristan Wirfs has opted in.

Why Is Tristan Wirfs Practicing?

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

Monday’s practice was the first training camp where the team donned full pads for the first time in the heat. While he worked out in individual drills, Wirfs did not participate in when Tampa Bay went to team drills in 11-on-11s.

Following practice, Wirfs spoke for the first time publicly amids these contract discussions and explain his reasoning for continuing to practice.

“I talked to Coach Bowles about it,” Wirfs began. “I was like, I have to be honest – I’ve got to be out here. It’s just not not in my DNA. It was hard enough missing OTAs, so I was in the weight room window watching the guys practice. Just told Coach Bowles I wanted to be cautious – there’s a lot stake.

“I was out there when [Ryan] Jensen went down a couple years ago. So just trying to be as smart as I can, and now I’ve got a little one to look after now. So just trying to be as smart as I can, but still be out here and get as many mental reps as I can. It’s still a new offense and stuff, and being there to watch Skulie (Justin Skule) and coach Skulie as much as I can – and he does the same thing for me all the time. I talked to Coach Bowles and it worked out.”

Wirfs also gave an update about what’s going on with his back-and-forth discussions with the team. It’s a new experience, but it’s been fun for him to understand it. He assured that there’s “no bad blood anywhere.”

“Obviously it would have been nice for it to have been done already but that’s part of the business that I’m still learning about,” Wirfs said. “It’s all been good. I was here all offseason training. I think everyone knows I like it here. Just working on getting it done, so it’s been good.”

Bucs Have Unfinished Business

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch P/R

Tristan Wirfs has benefited from the fact that he’s seen firsthand how the team has taken care of Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Anotine Winfield Jr. this offseason along with re-signing Lavonte David. His time should be next.

What has made Wirfs already a star among Bucs fans is that he truly just loves playing football and loves being around his teammates. Fellow offensive linemen Luke Goedeke, Robert Hainsey and Justin Skule are some of his best friends. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and Wirfs have already formed a quick bond in just over a year together.

With how deep the Bucs went into the playoffs last season, they’re closing in on having a truly great team. Wirfs wouldn’t want to miss that for anything.

“That’s just part of who I am,” Wirfs said. “It was hard enough sitting out of OTAs. I just wanted to be out there with the guys and not let them down. Knowing what’s at stake, we got close last year, so every rep count being out there as much as I can, building that camaraderie, building the continuity with everybody. The line, we’ve got a new guard competition, a center competition. So it’s like one, get all of our communication down and be on the same page. Just trying to be out there with my guys as much as possible.”