As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ four-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro left tackle, Tristan Wirfs, will miss the start of the 2025 season and could open the year on the physically unable-to-perform list. He started experiencing soreness in his right knee, which he injured in 2024, and sat out of OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Wirfs underwent arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday, revealing additional but minor damage.
Also Read: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tristan Wirfs Expected to Miss Start of 2025
The Buccaneers must identify his replacement as soon as possible.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 6-foot-8 giant in line to replace superstar
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Charlie Heck
Jun 11, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Charlie Heck (77) works out at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Charlie Heck is expected to replace Tristan Wirfs as the starting left tackle. The Buccaneers signed the 6-foot-8 giant to a $1.57 million contract to compete for the swing tackle position, recently held by Justin Skule. Heck does not have any legitimate competition, with the backup offensive tackles on the roster who have not yet played a single snap in the NFL, but that could change if the team adds a veteran in free agency.
Here’s a quick review of his NFL career
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Oct 24, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Charlie Heck (67) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Texans drafted Charlie Heck 126th overall in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent the first four seasons with Houston, playing 41 regular-season games with 21 starts, primarily at right tackle. The Texans cut Heck during the 2024 roster cuts, and he played in seven games with the Arizona Cardinals before starting the final two weeks at left tackle with the San Francisco 49ers.
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Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. (71) heads back to the huddle after a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants at Huntington Bank Field, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jedrick Wills Jr. (Expected to sit out most of 2025)
George Fant
Andrus Peat
Geron Christian Sr.
Chris Hubbard
Conor McDermott
Germain Ifedi
Donovan Smith
Jack Driscoll
Daniel Brunskill
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