The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a couple of problems on their hands. Most notably, Baker Mayfield is headed into the final year of his contract. Also notable, is the fact that Vita Vea is also in a contract year.
Though, unlike Mayfield, Vea has demanded a trade from the Bucs. Also unlike Mayfield, Vea’s agent hasn’t shut down contract negotiations with the Bucs’ front office, so it’s possible a deal could still be made before the season starts.
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Buccaneers Now Expected to ‘Figure It Out’ With Vita Vea
Jan 3, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) warms up before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
When Vea demanded a trade, the news came as a surprise. No one knew whether the Buccaneers would cave by paying their star DT or find a trade partner. Yet, despite receiving heavy interest, the Bucs insisted that they wanted to hold onto their defensive cornerstone.
Now, according to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter’s appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show“, “it feels like there’s been a shift” between Vea and the Bucs. Now, rather than moving toward a holdout or trade, the Buccaneers are now expected to reach a contract solution with the 31-year-old defender.
“It feels like there’s been a shift with Vita Vea and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It feels like we’ve gone from Vita Vea wanting a trade to Vita Vea now wanting to get a deal done. I think eventually the two sides figure it out.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Vita Vea
Vea had been seeking a raise that places him more in line with the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackles in 2026. Vea’s contract has him as the 23rd highest-paid DT in annual average value, and he’s set to earn $18 million in cash this season. Chances are, the team will find a way to give him a pay boost while also possibly tacking on another season or two to provide more long-term financial security too.
For now, the two sides appear to still be negotiating, which is a good thing. After all, it never made sense for a Bucs team with coach Todd Bowles entering a make-or-break season to trade one of their best players.
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