It’s been well documented ever since Tristan Wirfs joined the Bucs as a first-round pick in 2020 how great of a player he has been and what he means to Tampa Bay’s organization. From immediately holding his own as a rookie at right tackle without any preseason games due to the pandemic and eventually winning Super Bowl LV, to moving to left tackle and continuing to thrive despite getting out of his comfort zone, Tristan Wirfs is building a Hall of Fame resume.

What will continue to help build his path to eventually wearing a gold jacket in Canton is the respect and accolades from his peers among him. Tristan Wirfs is starting to get that as he was named first-team All-Pro by the NFL Players Association, otherwise known as the NFLPA.

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

This means Tristan Wirfs was voted on by players at his same position to be considered the best at left tackle.

In the three years since the NFLPA began doing this list, it’s the first time that Tristan Wirfs has been featured on it. After 2022 it was the Eagles’ Lane Johnson at right tackle, where Wirfs was playing at the time. On the left side, 49ers left tackle Trent Williams won in 2022 and 2023 with Wirfs taking the stage in 2024.

The other offensive linemen on this year’s All-Pro list are Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney and center Creed Humphrey, Falcons right guard Chris Lindstrom and Lions right tackle Penei Sewell. Wirfs is the only Tampa Bay Buccaneers player to make it the NFLPA All-Pro list offense, defense and special teams.

Bucs Offense Has Flourished Because Of Tristan Wirfs And O-Line

Tampa Bay’s offense saw a significant improvement this season. Quarterback Baker Mayfield threw for career highs with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdown passes. The Bucs also had 1,000-yard rusher for the first time in a decade after Bucky Irving rushed for 1,122 on the season. Along with Mike Evans also reaching a 1,000 receiving yards, Tampa Bay is near the top of the league in many important categories as they are in third in yards per game (399.5) and passing yards per game (250.4), and fourth in points per game (29.5) and rushing yards (149.2).

Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Jeffrey Jones/PR

To Tristan Wirfs’ credit, he also hasn’t allowed a sack this season, according to Pro Football Focus. The offensive line as a unit has kept Baker Mayfield upright and the improved play by this group has made this offense so much better.

And the beauty of it all is the core of this offensive line will be intact for a while. Wirfs just signed an extension and right tackle Luke Goedeke could very well be extended next during the offseason. Right guard Cody Mauch and center Graham Barton are on rookie contracts.

Only Ben Bredeson’s contract expires after this season, and he’s played well enough to deserve a raise that also won’t break the bank for the Bucs’ offseason intentions.

“I think, year two with having Tristan being more comfortable at left tackle is a huge thing,” Mayfield said. “Having Ben Bredeson next to him -a guy that’s really, really good at communicating what we’re trying to get done and he’s been able to help Graham out throughout this process of Graham growing as well. Obviously, Graham learning throughout the season and getting better and better helps. Cody has come a long way and Luke, I think is one of the most underrated lineman in the league.

“Then you go to the room, you talk about Kevin Carberry, Brian Picucci – two really, really good coaches, fundamentally sound. They get those guys on the same page. Justin Skule had to play a lot this year – guys stepped up. Then, Robert Hainsey being behind the scenes, helping these guys out with communication because he’s had a lot of reps. It’s a full group effort and it’s fun to see the chemistry and how they work together.”