Pro Football Rumors
One year remains on Vita Vea‘s deal. That became a talking point in the Pro Bowl defensive tackle’s case after he elected to avoid participating in minicamp last month.
Vea is one of the veterans who represent an item high on Tampa Bay’s summer to-do list. Just like quarterback Baker Mayfield, a new contract being worked out in time for the start of training camp would come as no surprise. As things stand, however, there is still plenty of work to be done.
During a recent appearance on The Insiders, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported (video link) Vea and the Bucs are not close to an extension agreement. Garafolo adds Tampa Bay is currently in no rush to work out a new deal in this case. Vea is owed $18MM in 2026, including a nonguaranteed base salary of $17MM.
The 31-year-old will be seeking a fresh round of guarantees on a third Buccaneers pact. Vea landed an average annual value of $17.75MM on his original extension, signed in 2021. Since then, the defensive tackle market has surged considerably. The bar was recently moved once more when Jeffery Simmons inked a Titans deal averaging over $35MM annually. Vea will likely not be looking to move to the top of the position’s financial pecking order, but a raise would bring him more in line with other top producers.
Vea was limited to five games in 2020. The former No. 12 pick has managed to remain durable since then, however, making at least 14 appearances over each of the past five years. Vea’s second and most recent Pro Bowl nod was earned in 2024, a season during which he set a new career high with seven sacks. Consistent performances against the pass along with strong run defense will be expected in the event a new contract can be worked out in this case.
Tampa Bay is currently near the bottom of the league in terms of cap space with training camp not far away. Vea’s scheduled 2026 charge of $22.19MM could be lowered with an extension, but an agreement on that front is not imminent.
