“If we can re-sign Mike and Baker and Levante and Chase and Antoine and Tristan, I mean, we should be throwing another boat parade,” Jason Licht boldly proclaimed at the NFL Combine in February. Fast forward to August, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager is ready to make good on that promise.

In a stunning turn of events, the Bucs have locked down their core players, capped off by Tristan Wirfs’ record-breaking five-year, $140.63 million extension. This deal not only makes Wirfs the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history but also eclipses any previous contract as the largest in franchise history.

Licht couldn’t contain his excitement at the press conference following Wirfs’ signing. “If anybody deserves to be the highest-paid in franchise history, the highest-paid O-lineman in the history of the league, it’s this guy right here,” he gushed. The GM went on to call it “the greatest offseason I can imagine since I’ve been here,” before adding with a chuckle, “Our other goal was to make him the highest-paid athlete from Mount Vernon, Iowa. So, we surpassed that.”

It’s a far cry from the era when the Bucs were mired in a 12-year playoff drought. Now, the Buccaneers are betting big on a new core. Baker Mayfield’s three-year, $100 million deal raised eyebrows earlier this year. Add to that Antoine Winfield Jr.’s four-year, $84.1 million contract and Mike Evans’ two-year, $41 million extension, and it’s clear the Bucs aren’t shy about opening their wallet.

The Wirfs deal stands out as a testament to the team’s long-term vision. At just 25 years old, the tackle has already won a Super Bowl, made two Pro Bowls, and earned an All-Pro selection. “He just means so much to this organization and what we are trying to build here in terms of the culture,” Licht emphasized. Thus, cementing the legacy and empire they want to build at Tampa Bay.

A legacy of investment and leadership in Tampa Bay

Wirfs’ humility shines through, even in the wake of his massive payday. “Just a lot of hard work, you know, trying my best to come out there and be the best teammate I can be, the best player I can be,” he reflected. “I wouldn’t be here without all these guys, so it’s just pretty cool.” Meanwhile, this deal not only makes Wirfs the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history but also eclipses Tom Brady’s once-headline-grabbing $50 million contract as the largest in franchise history.

Brady had an immediate impact on the Kansas City Chiefs leading to an impressive 31-9 win over them in the Super Bowl while now Tampa Bay looks at Wirfs as one of its cornerstones moving forward. His progression from rookie to franchise player mirrors how Tampa Bay has grown from being perpetual underdogs to becoming title challengers on a regular basis.

However, the Buccaneers’ approach isn’t without risks. They’re banking on Mayfield replicating his success from last season, even with the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales to the Carolina Panthers. The pressure is on for Mayfield to prove he can sustain his performance and justify the team’s investment.