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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are facing contract uncertainty with two of their biggest stars, but general manager Jason Licht made it clear Thursday that the organization has no intention of parting ways with defensive tackle Vita Vea and continues to view quarterback Baker Mayfield as the team’s long-term leader.
Licht addressed both situations during training camp, pushing back against growing speculation surrounding Vea’s future while emphasizing that the relationship with Mayfield remains strong despite stalled extension talks.
Buccaneers Remain Committed to Vita Vea
Trade rumors intensified after Vea’s agent suggested earlier this week that a deal “doesn’t see it ending in anything but a trade.” Licht, however, dismissed the idea that Tampa Bay is actively exploring a move.
“I have no plans on trading Vita,” Licht said. “We love Vita. We’ve been engaged with his agent recently. I don’t know how it’s gonna end, but we’ve been engaged and that’s at least some progress.”
Vea has been at the team’s facility throughout training camp, attending meetings and supporting teammates from the sideline while recovering from a minor back injury suffered during conditioning. He has yet to participate in practice, but Licht said the club expects him to play this season and believes the relationship can still be repaired beyond 2026.
The general manager acknowledged that other teams have reached out about Vea, though he described those inquiries as routine for this time of year rather than signs that a trade is imminent.
Baker Mayfield Still Viewed as Franchise Quarterback
Mayfield also entered camp with unresolved contract questions after publicly expressing disappointment over the Buccaneers’ reported two-year extension offer. Despite the frustration, Licht insisted the organization remains fully committed to its quarterback.
“We do think he is [a franchise quarterback],” Licht said. “We love Baker. Baker’s in a great place right now. We’re in a very good place.”
Mayfield has continued practicing throughout camp after informing teammates he would remain focused on football despite the lack of a new contract. Licht said the team respected the quarterback’s deadline for negotiations but left the door open if discussions resume.
The Buccaneers could also use the franchise tag after the 2026 season if necessary.
“The franchise tag is a tool. It’s an option,” Licht said. “It’s not necessarily something you want to plan on doing, but you have to in this business.”
Licht also defended Mayfield after the quarterback publicly criticized the contract process, describing him as an emotional competitor while expressing confidence the situation has not affected his preparation for the season.
Tampa Bay Points to History of Keeping its Core Together
Although both Vea and Mayfield remain without long-term agreements, Licht rejected the notion that the Buccaneers’ culture has changed.
He pointed to previous negotiations involving players such as Tristan Wirfs and Antoine Winfield Jr., both of whom eventually signed lucrative extensions after playing through contract uncertainty. Licht also referenced the club’s long history of rewarding core players, even if negotiations become difficult.
“It’s a puzzle. It’s challenging,” Licht said. “Not every situation is gonna work out the way you want it to. It can be frustrating for both the player and the team, but that’s just the way it goes. It’s just business.”
For now, Tampa Bay enters the season expecting both Vea and Mayfield to remain central figures, even as negotiations with each player continue in the background.
