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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached an agreement with defensive tackle Vita Vea on a one-year contract extension, ending the veteran’s hold-in and resolving a contract standoff that had lasted through much of training camp.
The deal adds $30 million to Vea’s contract, including $6 million to his 2026 earnings and $24 million fully guaranteed in 2027, according to ESPN. Vea will now have $48 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons.
The agreement comes weeks after the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle requested a trade because he wanted a contract that better reflected his value.
Vea’s Hold-In Comes to an End
Vea, 31, had reported for the Buccaneers’ conditioning test on July 28 but had not participated in a training camp practice.
The veteran suffered a back injury during the conditioning test, but his absence from practice was also connected to his contract situation. While he stayed involved with the team through classroom work and helped teammates with drills, he remained sidelined as negotiations continued.
Vea had been scheduled to earn $18 million in 2026 under his previous contract but had no guaranteed money remaining on the deal.
His new extension effectively gives him $24 million per year over the next two seasons, tying him with Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown for 11th among interior defensive linemen in average annual salary.
Buccaneers Refused to Trade Defensive Anchor
Vea requested a trade shortly before training camp after negotiations failed to produce an extension.
Several teams reportedly checked in with Tampa Bay about his availability, but general manager Jason Licht consistently maintained that the Buccaneers did not intend to move their defensive centerpiece.
Licht had previously acknowledged that teams had inquired about Vea but indicated that Tampa Bay wanted to prevent the situation from becoming a larger issue.
That stance ultimately paid off, with the two sides reaching an agreement rather than sending Vea to another team.
“Vita is exactly the type of player and person we want to build around in Tampa Bay,” Licht said. “He has been a dominant force in the middle of our defense, an exceptional teammate, and a tremendous leader in our locker room.”
Vea Remains a Force in the Middle
The Buccaneers’ willingness to make Vea one of the highest-paid interior defenders reflects his importance to their defense.
Vea recorded 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits last season while consistently attracting double teams and creating opportunities for teammates to make plays.
Over eight seasons in Tampa Bay, Vea has started 107 of 112 games. He has totaled 35 sacks, 48 tackles for loss and 79 quarterback hits while establishing himself as one of the league’s premier run-stuffing defensive tackles.
The Buccaneers selected Vea with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Washington. He eventually became a key part of the defense that helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV following the 2020 season.
He has since earned two Pro Bowl selections.
Vea Gets Security Through 2027
The extension gives Vea considerably more financial security while allowing Tampa Bay to retain one of the most important players on its defense.
The $24 million fully guaranteed for 2027 gives Vea significant protection heading into his age-33 season, while the Buccaneers avoid losing him or entering the regular season with an unresolved contract dispute.
Vea will now return to the team as Tampa Bay prepares for the regular season and looks to remain atop the NFC South.
With the contract situation resolved, the focus can finally shift back to football and getting Vea ready to anchor the middle of the Buccaneers’ defensive line.
