Tristan Wirfs misses Week 1 after a knee procedure, forcing Tampa Bay to shuffle the line. Graham Barton steps in at left tackle, Ben Bredeson moves to center, and Michael Jordan starts at guard, a rotation built around Barton’s Duke-era left-tackle experience. The change tightens protection for Baker Mayfield and aims to preserve the run game while Wirfs rehabs.

Barton’s edge presence could unlock more mobility on the outside, letting Mayfield stay upright and the backs find better lanes early. If Barton settles in quickly, TB’s offense could maintain efficiency in Week 1 despite Wirfs’ absence and then recalibrate upon Wirfs’ return.

Luke Goedeke signed a four-year, 90 million extension with the Buccaneers, including 50 million guaranteed and 22.5 million annually, the third-richest deal for a right tackle. The move underscores Tampa Bay’s commitment to developing its own offensive line and deploying a top-tier front that aided Baker Mayfield and a prolific pass game last season.

Goedeke’s ascent from a 43.7 rookie grade to 72.5 in 2023 and 73.7 in 2024 mirrors a unit led by Tristan Wirfs, with TB posting elite pass protection and solid run blocking. The line’s performance coincided with Mayfield facing a surprisingly low 24.1% pressure rate, helping TB rank No. 2 in pass blocking and No. 10 in run blocking. The Buccaneersrafted four of five projected starters, including Graham Barton and Cody Mauch, cementing an OL-first philosophy.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to kick off their first fully padded practice of the 2025 training camp, marking a significant turning point in the team's preparation. After a crucial five-day ramp-up period with limited contact, players will now don full pads, intensifying competition levels. Linebacker Yaya Diaby expressed excitement about the increased physicality, noting the impressive collapse of the pocket during camp. Center Graham Barton acknowledged the necessity of the initial practices for honing fundamentals but eagerly anticipates the more authentic football experience that comes with pads.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced significant challenges during the 2023 season, particularly with one of the least effective rushing offenses in the league. This issue was exacerbated by the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who moved on to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. To address their struggles, the Buccaneers appointed Liam Coen as the new offensive coordinator and invested a fourth-round pick in Oregon running back Bucky Irving.

Irving's arrival, combined with Coen's fresh strategies and the addition of new center Graham Barton, has revitalized the Buccaneers' ground game. With these changes, Tampa Bay appears poised to enhance their rushing performance in the upcoming season, aiming to reclaim their competitive edge in the NFC South.