New NFL Rumors on How 'Contract Is Playing Into' Vita Vea's Bucs Minicamp Participation

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea is sending a message by not participating in the team's mandatory minicamp, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Garafolo reported Tuesday "the contract is playing into this." Vea is entering the final year of his contract and wants a long-term extension:

The market for interior linemen has moved quite a bit since the two-time Pro Bowler signed his last deal in 2022. His $17.8 million average salary puts him squarely in the middle of the pack at the position.

Even setting the Kansas City Chiefs' Chris Jones to one side — he's the only defensive tackle making $30-plus million — Dexter Lawrence and Jordan Davis helped raise the bar this offseason. They're collecting $28 million and $26 million annually.

Spotrac estimates Vea's value to be $27.8 million and uses Lawrence, Davis, Zach Allen and Milton Williams as a guide. Ten million dollars is a big gap between what he's getting and what he theoretically could command.

Vea had another solid season in 2025. He finished with 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss and 13 hits on the quarterback, and he helped the Bucs allow the fifth-fewest rushing yards (99.1 per game).

Unlike the last time he was in line for a raise, age will be a consideration for Tampa Bay when it weighs up an offer for the 31-year-old.

Lawrence is three years younger, yet the New York Giants clearly had some qualms about extending his contract. His new pact with the Cincinnati Bengals only added one year to his existing deal.

Maybe the Bucs can do something similar with Vea. A one- or two-year agreement could give both sides what they want. Vea would get paid more, and the team would lessen the long-term risk.