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Jenna Laine, ESPN Employees Author
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Buccaneers normal supervisor Jason Licht has fulfilled a prophecy he spoke into existence on the NFL mix in February — and so they’re phrases that would result in the workforce having one other boat parade.
“I imply, if we will re-sign Mike [Evans] and Baker [Mayfield] and Lavonte [David], Chase [McLaughlin], Antoine [Winfield Jr.] and Tristan [Wirfs], I imply, we must be throwing one other boat parade,” Licht stated.
That was earlier than all six obtained extensions, with Wirfs’ finalized Thursday. The 2 sides reached settlement on a five-year, $140.63 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL historical past, sources instructed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday. The deal additionally consists of $88.24 million assured, a supply stated, probably the most assured cash for any offensive deal with.
“That is the best offseason I can think about since I have been right here,” Licht stated Thursday. “So if anyone has a ship, let me know after this.”
Whereas no date has been set for when a cavalry of boats will float down the Hillsborough River once more, it does imply that this workforce is positioned to contend for the following a number of years regardless of an entire roster overhaul post-Tom Brady retirement. It meant taking part in with over $80 million in lifeless cash in 2023.
“I feel again on the time final yr, I stated that it was difficult but it surely was a enjoyable problem,” Licht stated. “It is what the scouts are wired for. Bringing in, turning over the roster and have enjoyable with it. Looking for sleepers, looking for worth and making an attempt to, however then additionally to tie a bow round it with rewarding our personal like Tristan and Antoine, Mike and Lavonte, and bringing Baker in and having, seeing the success that he had. It is simply very rewarding for all of us.”
Licht did admit that it was a “aid” to have the negotiations wrapped up.
“It is arduous to not really feel nice,” Licht stated. “We have got some nice gamers. The seasons, you may’t predict what is going on to occur in the course of the season. There’s lots of issues which might be out of everyone’s fingers, however we’ve the inspiration of men like Tristan that you simply construct a workforce round. … However the factor that will get me probably the most excited in speaking to individuals is simply the camaraderie and the vibes which might be going by our workplace proper now. From gamers to coaches to [head athletic trainer] Bobby [Slater] and the coaching room, the gear room, everyone. It’s at an all-time excessive proper now, so hopefully that transfers to the sector.”
An indication of that camaraderie got here when a number of of Wirfs’ teammates — together with Mayfield — took a front-row seat for his information convention Thursday, together with Wirfs’ girlfriend, Meredith Sutton, and toddler son, Julius.
“I feel we’ve lots of guys that care. I imply, I feel Jason stated it as nicely — one of many closest models I have been part of throughout the board,” Wirfs stated. “It is enjoyable being out of shape. Guys love coming on the market competing, and that is what it may take, us competing each day, popping out with consideration to element, making an attempt to get higher and pushing one another to do the most effective we may be. Tremendous Bowl is clearly the purpose. I feel that is the purpose for everyone. Simply doing no matter it takes to get again there and lifting that trophy. It is a rattling good feeling. So you bought to do it once more.”
Wirfs’ hope is that the offensive line can take one other step ahead by bolstering the bottom recreation. The Bucs statistically had the league’s worst speeding assault final yr with 1,509 whole speeding yards.
“I feel it has been an enormous level this previous couple of years, so I feel now it is as much as us,” Wirfs stated. “We have got to place it on our shoulders. I feel we stock that job nicely. We’re completely up for it, so it may be thrilling. It’ll be actually enjoyable. I feel lots of us, it is actually cool to see how a lot all of us care and wish to be in an elite unit. So it may be lots of enjoyable to go on the market and provides it our all alongside these traces.”