Buccaneers Wirfs on Robert Hainsey’s Pending Departure, “He’s My Best Friend”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs recently appeared on “The Pivot” podcast, joining hosts Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder for a wide-ranging conversation. Wirfs shared his insights on the Bucs, blocking for Tom Brady, and the team’s path back to the Super Bowl. He also took a moment to praise fellow offensive lineman and close friend Robert Hainsey.

Host Ryan Clark questioned Tristan Wirfs about his emotions as reality set in that the Buccaneers’ 2024 playoff run would end with a Wild Card round loss to the Washington Commanders.

Wirf’s response via The Pivot Podcast, quotes obtained from pewterreport.com,

“Yeah, that was Robert Hainsey. He’s my best friend. He came in a year after me. And we just did everything together. Because I came into a room that was a very veteran-led room. Everyone had kids. Everyone was older. But he came in and I was like, ‘Yeah we are hanging out.’ We got to do everything together. So, that was an emotional moment.”

“He started the past two years. Ended up not being the starter [this year]. We drafted Graham Barton. He came in. But Hainsey, he took it – it was tough for him at first. But him being a veteran now. Teaching Graham the ropes. Teaching him the way. And now Hainsey is going to be a free agent.”

Wirfs continued,

“He’s going to go play somewhere.
There’s not 31 centers in the league better than him. We talked about it all year. Like, ‘I’m going to leave. I’m not going to be here next year.’ We give Graham a hard time about it, like it’s never going to be this good. I thought we had an incredible O-line room. We just give him a hard time.”

A Tough Realization

“That was kind of the realization that he’s leaving. It’s over. Because it’s never going to be the same. That’s how it is in the NFL. But that was kind of the realization that he is leaving. It was emotional. Like, I love the O-line room we had this year was the best I have ever been a part of. And we are so close.”

Wirfs continued,

“We have three free agents. We have Robert Hainsey, Ben Bredeson, Justin Skule. And those guys are my best friends. It sucked. But that’s the NFL. I hope we can get someone back. I know Hainsey wants to go play. He loves ball. He loves playing. He’s one of the smartest guys I know. Tough as nails.”

As one of Robert Hainsey’s closest friends, Tristan Wirfs has unique insight into the lineman’s plans for free agency. Over their three years together in Tampa Bay, Wirfs and Hainsey have developed a strong bond. Notably, Hainsey stepped up as a key starter for the Bucs in 2022 and 2023, filling the void left by Ryan Jensen, who missed both seasons due to a career-ending knee injury.

Hainsey is poised to attract multiple suitors in free agency, with teams likely offering 1-2 year deals that include guarantees or a clear path to a starting role. The Patriots, Titans, and Bears may be among the interested teams. Another intriguing option could be the Jaguars, where former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now serves as head coach. Jacksonville struggled with its offensive line last season, and starter Mitch Morse may be a cap casualty, creating an opportunity for Hainsey.

The BR Rub 

Hainsey potential departure is definitely a hit to the Bucs offensive line depth. Yes Graham Barton has the starting center position locked in, but injuries happen. It would be fantastic if the team could keep Hainsey in-house. But as Wirfs said, he deserves a chance to start. That isn’t something the Buccaneers can offer.

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