Buccaneers DT Vita Vea Skips Minicamp Over Contract Dispute

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea is not participating in the team's mandatory minicamp this week due to his desire for a new contract. The two-time Pro Bowler, who is entering the final year of his four-year, $71 million deal signed in 2022, is attending the sessions but is not practicing.

Head coach Todd Bowles downplayed the situation, describing it as a normal part of NFL business. "It's not concerning," Bowles said on Wednesday. "We've been through it before. It's part of the business." When asked if he was confident Vea would report to training camp in late July if a new deal is not reached, Bowles said he could not answer that.

Vea, 31, is scheduled to earn $17 million for the 2026 season, but that salary is not guaranteed. His current average annual value ranks outside the top 15 among interior defensive linemen, a market that has risen significantly since he last signed. Recent contracts for players like Dexter Lawrence and Jordan Davis have set new benchmarks above $26 million per year. Analysts estimate Vea's market value could be close to $28 million annually.

The veteran's decision to "hold in" is widely seen as an effort to secure more guaranteed money...