The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defensive tackle Vita Vea have put an end to weeks of uncertainty by agreeing to a new deal, keeping one of the franchise’s most important defensive players in Tampa Bay.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the agreement Wednesday, a dramatic turnaround after Vea requested a trade in late July when extension talks stalled. The two-time Pro Bowler had been entering the final season of his previous four-year deal, with roughly $18 million in total compensation scheduled for 2026. But his new gives him $48-million over the next two seasons.
Vea remained around the team during the dispute but had not returned to full participation as the sides continued working toward a resolution. Earlier Wednesday, Schefter suggested the tone had shifted from pessimism toward optimism and that Vea appeared focused on getting a deal done rather than leaving Tampa Bay.
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Now, the Buccaneers and the veteran defensive tackle can turn their attention back to football with their defensive anchor secured. Vea started all 17 games last season, recording 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits while continuing to command attention in the middle of Tampa Bay’s defense.
