The NFL's new Protector of the Year award is set to go to the NFL's best offensive lineman, with the league finally giving the trenches some love with a new annual award. Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs, an All-Pro in 2024, was initially one of the frontrunners for the award — but that's changed after Wednesday's news.

The four-time defending NFC South champion Buccaneers open the regular season at Atlanta on Sept. 7.

If Wirfs does begin the season on the PUP list, he will be required to miss at least the first four games of the campaign.