One yr stays on Vita Vea‘s deal. That became a talking point within the Pro Bowl defensive tackle’s case after he elected to avoid participating in minicamp last month.
Vea is one among the veterans who represent an item high on Tampa Bay’s summer to-do list. Identical to quarterback Baker Mayfield, a brand new contract being worked out in time for the beginning of coaching camp would come as no surprise. As things stand, nevertheless, there remains to be loads of work to be done.
During a recent appearance on The Insiders, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported (video link) Vea and the Bucs aren’t near an extension agreement. Garafolo adds Tampa Bay is currently in no rush to work out a brand new deal on this case. Vea is owed $18MM in 2026, including a nonguaranteed base salary of $17MM.
The 31-year-old will probably be in search of a fresh round of guarantees on a 3rd Buccaneers pact. Vea landed a mean 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 over again when Jeffery Simmons inked a Titans deal averaging over $35MM annually. Vea will likely not be seeking to move to the highest of the position’s financial pecking order, but a raise would bring him more in step with other top producers.
Vea was limited to 5 games in 2020. The previous No. 12 pick has managed to stay durable since then, nevertheless, making at the very least 14 appearances over each of the past five years. Vea’s second and most up-to-date Pro Bowl nod was earned in 2024, a season during which he set a brand new profession high with seven sacks. Consistent performances against the pass together with strong run defense will probably be expected within the event a brand new contract may be worked out on this case.
Tampa Bay is currently near the underside of the league when it comes to cap space with training camp not distant. Vea’s scheduled 2026 charge of $22.19MM might be lowered with an extension, but an agreement on that front shouldn’t be imminent.