The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the best defensive linemen in the entire NFL, but they may not have him for long if they don't get it together.
Vea is technically entering the final year of his contract. There is no more guaranteed money coming his way, and that tends to leave players worried about getting hurt. With the Buccaneers beginning training camp, it's clear that Vea isn't going to be doing much, if anything at all.
#Buccaneers two-time Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea has requested a trade after failed attempts at a contract extension, according to his agent Collin Roberts.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 27, 2026
The team’s 2018 first-round pick is entering his ninth season with the franchise and the final year of his current deal. pic.twitter.com/VlrfoW2ViU
Vita Vea tells the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to pay him or trade him
Vea has put Buccaneers' GM Jason Licht in a position that he can't afford to be in. Licht is already dealing with the contract extension of Baker Mayfield. Mayfield has previously stated he will not negotiate a new contract once camp begins. Now Licht has two big problems on his hands.
It's highly unlikely that Vea gets traded, but if he did, the Buccaneers would get quite a bit in return. The bigger issue is that Vea will attend training camp but will not participate. Under the current CBA, players get fined for missing camp practices. Those fines can not be rescinded.
When this happens, the player typically develops a ghost injury. That should be reported in the next couple of days.
Bucs fans want their top defender taken care of, and it pains those same fans when the team is dragging their feet, especially for one of their leaders.
Vea will carry a $22 million cap hit this year. The Bucs would get nearly $16 million back if they moved him. The only money that Vea is guaranteed is a $1 million per-game roster bonus. Next year is a voidable year on the contract.
Tampa's "off" season in 2025 left fans hoping to see real changes made. Licht has relatively stayed the course, but already they have watched Mike Evans leave as a free agent and LaVonte David retire.
If the Bucs can't get a deal done soon, they may end up watching Vea play from the sidelines. Despite entering his 9th NFL season, Vea has remained one of the most consistent and impactful players on the Buccaneers' roster. Needless to say, it's time Licht steps up and gets Vea and Mayfield extended.
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