Buccaneers Offensive Star's Odds for New NFL Award
Earlier this offseason, the NFL announced a new award meant to honor the best offensive lineman in the league each season.
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The Protector of the Year Award will be presented annually at the NFL Honors show and will recognize the best player in the trenches each year.
Former Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams tackle Andrew Whitworth described the award best.
'This award means everything to the big guys up front,' said Whitworth. 'The Protector of the Year isn't just about stats – it's about the mindset, grit and leadership it takes to be the foundation of a football team. It's time the men who lead, protect and never ask for credit are recognized as the backbone of this game.'
Pro Football Focus updated the odds for the award, with the Bucs' Tristan Wirfs with the third-best odds at +1300 behind Detroit's Penei Sewell at +650 and Philadelphia's Lane Johnson at +750.
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"As the reigning winner of PFF's Best Pass Blocker Award in 2024, Wirfs will have a compelling case to be a finalist for the inaugural Protector of the Year honor. Pass protection remains the most critical aspect of tackle play, and Wirfs continues to set the standard for it. His 94.1 PFF pass-blocking grade last season not only led the NFL but also ranked as the second-highest single-season mark among all offensive linemen in the past decade.
The winner will be selected by a panel of former offensive linemen based on skill metrics, impact, leadership, durability and strength of opponent.
The initial panel includes former players LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O'Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields and Whitworth.
As the Bucs' current left tackle, Wirfs is the only player to make the Pro Bowl as a right tackle and a left tackle, and he's been voted to the Pro Bowl in four of his first five seasons in the NFL. The former Iowa Hawkeye has also received two first-team All-Pro honors and one second-team All-Pro honor.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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