Former Iowa Hawkeye Signs Record-Breaking New NFL Contract

It's been a great couple of weeks for offensive linemen, particularly those from the Midwest. Weeks ago, Denver Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz signed a four-year, $80 million deal following stellar performance on his rookie contract. Now, an Iowa native and former Hawkeye has just reset the market for his position.

Hawkeye fans should remember the name Tristan Wirfs. The Mount Vernon native was a wrestler, along with cross-town-rival-turned-Hawkeye-teammate Tyler Linderbaum, before becoming a standout tackle for Iowa. He was the first true freshman to start at right tackle in the Kirk Ferentz era. Wirfs' college success propelled him to being the 13th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he went on to play a key role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers season that saw them reach and win Super Bowl LV.

Early this morning, Wirfs, who now plays left tackle, and the Buccaneers agreed to a lucrative five-year contract extension. Wirfs inked a deal worth $140 million, with more than $88 million guaranteed, effectively making the Iowa prodigy the highest paid tackle in the NFL, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

The contract is more than warranted. Wirfs is what all 32 teams want in their left tackle, the most important position on the offensive line. In four seasons, Wirfs is a three-time Pro Bowler, and has made both first and second team All-Pro in his still-young career. He has started every single game in his NFL career, playing every snap in all four seasons. Not only is the 25-year-old exceptional, he's an iron man.

The contract is the biggest in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history, which is saying something, since Bucs general manager Jason Licht isn't afraid to doll out big bucks to quality players. This offseason alone, he has resigned/extended quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, safety Antoine Winfield Jr, and now Wirfs. Per NFL.com, the Bucs have now gone from having one $20-plus-million-per-year player (Chris Godwin) to having five.

This is stellar work from a team expected to struggle last year following Tom Brady's retirement. The Bucs weren't on many radars this time last year, but quality play from Mayfield, the offense/offensive line, and the defense led the Bucs to a 9-8 record and a playoff appearance. The Bucs clipped the wings of the heavily favored Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round, but went on to lose to the Detroit Lions in the divisional round.

The Bucs enter this year looking to make even more noise with key players retained, now including their immensely talented left tackle. The Iowa Hawkeyes are essentially an offensive line factory, churning out quality linemen each and every year. Tristan Wirfs is the latest not only to shine in the NFL, but be compensated for his tremendous work.

Read more about Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs' historic NFL contract on NFL.com.