The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been dealing with contract uncertainty with quarterback Baker Mayfield as he seeks a long-term extension.
Now, they’ve got another key player with a contract situation of his own, as defensive tackle Vita Vea is not participating during mandatory minicamp.
Vita Vea is holding in at Buccaneers mandatory minicamp in search of a contract extension
Todd Bowles spoke to the media following the first day of mandatory minicamp, and told reporters that the reason Vea isn’t practicing is because the Bucs don’t need to see him do anything right now as a proven veteran.
But NFL insider Mike Garafolo told a very different story — reporting that the reason Vea isn’t practicing is actually contract related.
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: #Buccaneers DT Vita Vea wasn’t practicing at minicamp today and hasn’t been for OTAs in the spring. I’m told it’s related to the two-time Pro Bowler’s contract, as Vea is entering the final year of his deal from 4+ years ago. pic.twitter.com/KMd1MzQAid
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 17, 2026
“From my understanding, sources have told me the fact that he’s in the final year of his deal and hasn’t gotten an extension at this point is part of the reason that he is not participating.”
Vea is set to make $18 million in the final year of his deal, and his current contract ranks No. 19 in annual earnings among defensive tackles.
Vea is the heart and soul of the Buccaneers’ defense, and his impact is far greater than what his current salary ranking would suggest. He’s universally regarded as one of the league’s elite nose tackles.
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is earning over $31 million annually, and Dexter Lawrence is slotted in at $28 million per year.
There are 11 defensive tackles making at least $23 million per year, so Vea is likely seeking a significant pay bump to reflect the change in the market since he last signed his deal four years ago.
The Bucs are facing an interesting dilemma, because there is no questioning Vea’s importance to the defense. Tampa Bay has the No. 1 rush defense in football since Vea became a full-time starter in 2019, and they’ve ranked in the top five in six of his eight NFL seasons.
Todd Bowles prioritizes stopping the run and making opponents one dimensional, and that simply can’t be done without Vea’s dominance up front.
But Vea is entering his age-31 season. History tells us he’s only got a few years left of elite football left in the tank. Signing him to a massive long-term deal at the value he’s seeking would be a huge risk for the organization.
They’ll have to reach a happy medium that works for both sides, with the Bucs giving Vea a well-deserved payday, but only on a one or two-year extension, rather than anything long-term.
It’s something that must be figured out quickly, because the Bucs defense can’t operate without its anchor, and the sooner they can end this contract dispute and get him back on the field, the better.
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