RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Tristan Wirfs has already established himself as one of the NFL's premier offensive tackles. In 2026, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers star has a chance to take that reputation a step further and make a legitimate case for Protector of the Year. Wirfs enters the season coming off another dominant campaign. Despite playing a career-low 778 offensive snaps while dealing with injuries, he finished with a 92.7 overall PFF grade, ranking second among 89 qualified tackles. His 91.6 run blocking grade ranked third, while his 84.9 pass blocking grade ranked fourth. He also allowed just two sacks and four quarterback hits while surrendering 23 total pressures.
PFF recently ranked Wirfs as the 2nd offensive tackle in the NFL heading into 2026, behind only Detroit Lions star Penei Sewell. PFF noted that Wirfs produced the best performance of his career when healthy in 2025 and expects him to remain at an elite level this season. The biggest question may simply be whether he can stay healthy and play a larger percentage of the season. His 2025 production was outstanding despite missing time, and another full season at that level could put him in position to challenge Sewell for the crown.
Wirfs has already earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors, including becoming the first player in NFL history to earn first-team All-Pro recognition at both right and left tackle. At this point, there isn't much left for Wirfs to prove. But winning Protector of the Year in 2026 would add another major accomplishment to an already impressive resume. If he stays healthy and continues playing at the level he showed in 2025, Wirfs absolutely belongs in that conversation.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Can Tristan Wirfs Win Protector of the Year in 2026?
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