Buccaneers rookie is barreling toward stealing a roster spot at training camp

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs underwent knee surgery, forcing him to miss significant playing time. As a cornerstone player, his absence creates a substantial void for the team.

Wirfs' injury opens opportunities for backups, with undrafted rookie Benjamin Chukwuma emerging as a likely candidate for the final roster. Chukwuma began playing football just two years ago after moving from Nigeria to Georgia, where he walked on at Georgia State despite having no prior experience.

Despite limited playing time (under 1,000 offensive snaps), Chukwuma demonstrated NFL potential during his 11 starts in 2024, allowing only two sacks. Though technically raw, his athleticism enables him to compete against NFL edge rushers.

The Buccaneers secured Chukwuma immediately after the draft, signaling strong interest by offering him $300,000 in guaranteed money—the highest among undrafted free agents this offseason. Wirfs' injury solidifies Chukwuma's roster chances, as he currently backs up veteran replacement Charlie Heck on the depth chart. Further offensive line injuries could lead to actual playing time for the rookie.

Analysts emphasize Chukwuma needs development time but possesses the tools to become a meaningful contributor, drawing comparisons to successful project tackle Jordan Mailata with proper coaching.