- May 21, 2026
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Defensive tackle Vita Vea didn’t practice at Buccaneers minicamp this week because he's looking for a new contract.
Vea is heading into the final year of his contract and scheduled to make $17 million during the 2026 season, which has him lower in the ranks of defensive tackles than he'd like at this point in his career. Head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week that the team doesn't need to see Vea on the field right now and was similarly unconcerned about his status when asked about it on Wednesday.
"It’s not concerning," Bowles said, via multiple reporters. "We’ve been through it before, it’s part of the business."
Bowles was also asked if he's confident Vea will participate in training camp if things remain unresolved. Bowles said he "cannot tell you that" and the Bucs will also be dealing with quarterback Baker Mayfield's desire for a new deal in the coming weeks.
Vea is heading into the final year of his contract and scheduled to make $17 million during the 2026 season, which has him lower in the ranks of defensive tackles than he'd like at this point in his career. Head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week that the team doesn't need to see Vea on the field right now and was similarly unconcerned about his status when asked about it on Wednesday.
"It’s not concerning," Bowles said, via multiple reporters. "We’ve been through it before, it’s part of the business."
Bowles was also asked if he's confident Vea will participate in training camp if things remain unresolved. Bowles said he "cannot tell you that" and the Bucs will also be dealing with quarterback Baker Mayfield's desire for a new deal in the coming weeks.