Jason Licht gives an update on Tristan Wirfs contract talks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been at training camp for less than a week and already there's some drama flaring up regarding players holding out. Thankfully none of that surrounds Tristan Wirfs, who is holding out but seems to be doing so in name only.

Wirfs is holding out for a new contract ahead of his rookie deal expiring at the end of next season. It's the sofest hold out imaginable, though, which gels with how much of a leader Wirfs is and how obvious it is that something will eventually get done.

Despite his official hold out status, Wirfs still reported to camp and has taken part in workouts. That's all good news for the Bucs, who haven't really touched on where things are with Wirfs despite how badly they need to ensure something gets done.

It's not the first time this offseason that general manager Jason Licht has needed to work out a deal for a star player, and all signs point to this situation ending up exactly like the others.

Jason Licht provides an update on contract talks with Tristan Wirfs

Tom Krasniqi on WDAE asked Licht about where things stand with Wirfs, and it sounds like things are moving in the right direction. Nothing is imminent, but all of the vibes seem to be exactly where they need to be ahead of something getting done.

“Tristan is one of our favorite players of all time here,” Licht said. “He’s such an unselfish guy as well, out here practicing like he has been. It’s not surprising given the unselfishness he has as well and not wanting to let his teammates down or his quarterback down. We’re continuing to work hard on both ends. We have really good communication.

Licht has already taken care of one load bearing piece of the Bucs' future in Antoine Winfield Jr., who became the highest-paid defensive back in the NFL this offseason. Much like Wirfs, it never seemed like there was the possibility of any outcome other than a deal getting worked out with Winfield Jr., which is exactly what happened.

Wirfs getting away would be a banishable offense. He's the best offensive lineman in the league when he's playing up to his standard, and he's going to get paid as such. He's as critical a piece of Tampa Bay's offense as Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans, and has the chance to join the latter as a lifer with the Bucs.

That all starts with getting something worked out. All of the hallmarks of Licht's other masterstrokes this offseason are present here, from his cool demonor to the utter lack of panic in his messaging. Everyone knows a deal will get done -- so much so that Wirfs isn't even really holding out -- and it feels like only a matter of time before the update we hear is that a deal has been reached.

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