Take a bow, Jason Licht. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' general manager continues to prove why he's among the league's best.
It has been a home-run offseason for the defending NFC South champions. Licht put together an impressive draft class headlined by first-round pick Graham Barton, and he worked out new deals for Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Lavonte David, and now Antoine Winfield Jr.
The Bucs made Winfield Jr. the highest-paid defensive back in league history. Whatever it takes. He is worth it, and Licht deserves credit for being willing to pay his own players.
It has almost been a perfect offseason. Licht still needs to complete one more important piece of the puzzle.
Bucs must turn attention to Tristan Wirfs extension after Antoine Winfield Jr. deal
Another Buccaneers 2020 draft pick is in line for a new deal: Tackle Tristan Wirfs.
There was greater urgency to get the Winfield Jr. extension done first to prevent him from playing on the franchise tag. Tampa Bay picked up Wirfs' fifth-year option, allowing more time to negotiate a long-term extension.
That said, the time is now. Wirfs has one year remaining on his contract, but the Bucs don't want to risk losing him (or have to use the franchise tag again), and rewarding star players with the long-term security of a new deal is the way to go.
According to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, an extension for Wirfs "is absolutely the next priority" for the Buccaneers.
Wirfs could become the highest-paid left tackle in football, and it would be more than well deserved. According to PFF, Wirfs and Winfield Jr. both have 91.0 career grades, which is tied for fourth-best among all players from the 2020 draft class. Like I said, take a bow, Jason Licht.
There's always a shortage of quality offensive tackles and other teams will be desperate to sign Wirfs if he gets close to free agency. The cost of his new deal will only go up.
The Buccaneers have checked off almost everything on their offseason to-do list. Signing Wirfs to an extension is up next.