Buccaneers Pro Bowl OT Tristan Wirfs absent from OTAs amid contract dispute, per report [Video]

While the Buccaneers have taken care of several veterans this offseason, one item of business that is still pending is Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs‘ expiring rookie contract. The two sides have not made progress on a new deal, which has led to Wirfs’ absence for the start of Tampa Bay’s OTAs, according to ESPN. 

Wirfs is seeking a long-term contract and does not want to risk injury by taking part in OTAs, per the report. He does not plan to attend OTAs as long as he is in his current contract predicament. 

The Buccaneers picked up Wirfs’ fifth-year option last spring, which keeps him under contract through the 2024 season. If he plays under the option, Wirfs will make $18.244 million — all guaranteed — this season, but it’s clear that he would rather play under the security of a long-term contract. 

Given …