Tristan Wirfs, the elite left tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will miss the start of the 2025 season due to knee surgery. His absence, projected to last at least the first four games, significantly impacts the Buccaneers' offensive line.
With Charlie Heck stepping in as the starting left tackle, the Buccaneers face a potential decline in pass protection for Baker Mayfield, who recently extended his contract. Heck, with 23 career starts, lacks Wirfs' proficiency, particularly in pass blocking, where Wirfs earned an 82.5 PFF grade in 2024, the ninth-best among tackles.
The early schedule against the Falcons, Texans, Jets, and Eagles presents challenges, especially with a new offensive coordinator, Josh Grizzard. Fantasy managers should monitor Mayfield's performance closely, as his production may dip without Wirfs' protection, affecting his value in early 2025 matchups.
