Buccaneers GM says no Vita Vea trade, backs Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht addressed two simmering contract disputes on Thursday, August 6, 2026, publicly affirming the team's commitment to quarterback Baker Mayfield while ruling out a trade for defensive tackle Vita Vea. The comments came amid public expressions of frustration from both players' camps, casting a spotlight on the team's financial negotiations as training camp continues.

Licht directly responded to Vea's agent, Collin Roberts, who told the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday that he did not see the situation ending in anything but a trade. "I have no plans on trading Vita," Licht stated. "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, 31, is in the final year of a four-year, $71 million extension signed in 2022 and is set to earn a $17 million base salary in 2026. He is currently observing practice but not participating due to a mild back injury sustained during a conditioning test on July 28.

The general manager also sought to defuse tension with Mayfield, who last week said he felt "disrespected" after failing to reach a contract...