The All-Pro tackle champions his quarterback’s focus, drawing on his own record-breaking extension to explain why looming negotiations won't derail the veteran passer’s leadership in Tampa Bay.
All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs has weighed in on Baker Mayfield's contract situation.
Speaking with Aileen Hnatiuk of WFLA-TV, Wirfs was asked about the quarterback's contract dispute with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and whether he believes the negotiations will affect Mayfield's play. Wirfs was quick to defend his QB, pointing out that Mayfield has been in this situation with the Bucs before.
“Even the first time around, it didn’t really affect him, like how he approached every day — how he interacted with any of us, how he went out to practice. It never affected him that way,” Wirfs said.
“But, yeah, I don’t know a ton about it. Obviously, I want him to be here for a long time. I want him to be my quarterback for a long time. So, I hope things work out for him and with the whole contract situation. But I know he’s still the same guy who’s coming in here day in and day out and leading us.”
Wirfs was speaking about the 2023 season, Mayfield's first with Tampa. Mayfield was signed to a modest, one-year "prove-it" deal. According to Wirfs, the lack of a long-term contract had no affect on the way that Mayfield prepared or played.
He expects this situation to be no different. Wirfs also said the QB's self-imposed deadline to reach a deal is his way of showing his teammates he is only focusing on the upcoming season.
“Hey, like when the season’s here, I’m all ball,” was Wirfs' description of Mayfield's mentality.
Wirfs Had His Own Money Dispute With The Bucs
Wirfs can also see the Mayfield situation through the eyes of someone who had his own money dispute with the Bucs. In 2024, Wirfs staged a "hold-in" during Tampa's offseason, much like defensive tackle Vita Vea is doing now.
Unlike Mayfield, who has been participating in all of the Bucs' practices, Wirfs opted to show up but not do anything except individual drills until he got a new contract. He would end up signing a five-year, $140.6 million extension, making him the NFL's highest-paid (at the time) offensive lineman.
Having his own experience with what Mayfield is currently going through, Wirfs seems confident that it will all work out in the end.
Final Thoughts
It seems like Mayfield has the full support of his teammates while he hopes to secure a lucrative extensive. He has been adamant that he will not allow the contract talks affect him or his focus on the 2026 season, and has backed up his words with his actions.
Wirfs is arguably Tampa's best player, and his confidence in Mayfield's ability to perform despite his long-term uncertainty with the Bucs is a meaningful endorsement.
Hopefully, Mayfield and the Bucs can reach a new deal quickly, so players like Wirfs don't have to keep talking about it.
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