Vita Vea, Bucs Contract Talks Update After Star Requests Trade Amid NFL Training Camp Absence

The relationship between defensive tackle Vita Vea and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reportedly hasn't improved since his trade request was reported last week.

Vea's agent Collin Roberts told the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud there has been no progress between his client and the Bucs on contract talks.

"I just don't see it ending in anything but a trade at this point," Roberts told Stroud.

Vea requested a trade after negotiations for a long-term extension stalled this offseason, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport reported last week.

Head coach Todd Bowles said shortly after that report Vea had suffered a tweaked back. Vea has not participated in training camp since.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in a Tuesday appearance on the Pat McAfee Show he thought Vea getting traded from the Bucs was "certainly a possibility."

"The Buccaneers want to keep him, and they say they're not interested in trading him... but the fact of the matter is, Vita Vea is very unhappy," Schefter said.

Bowles told reporters Tuesday the Buccaneers were not yet "concerned" about the ongoing negotiations with Vea.

"It's still early. We've only been in pads for two days," Bowles said Tuesday. "We're not concerned at this point, and I think those things take care of themselves. Once you get past two or three preseason games, you start to worry a little bit.

"Right now, there's a lot of contracts getting done... We go about business as usual. He's been very engaged, and he's been great."

Vita is a two-time Pro Bowler who recorded 4.5 sacks, 34 tackles, 13 quarterback hits and two passes defensed in 17 regular-season games while playing defensive and special-team snaps for the Bucs in 2025.

He is set to play next season on an expiring deal worth approximately $17.8 million per year, which Over the Cap reports ranks 16th among defensive tackles.

Vea isn't the only player with whom the Bucs have reportedly struggled to find compromise with this offseason. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is reportedly set to play out his expiring contract before hitting free agency next season after falling short of an agreement in extension talks this offseason.

Mayfield has indicated he won't hold out next season despite his lack of an extension. It's less clear whether Vea will force the Buccaneers' hand by staying away from training camp until he gets an extension or a trade.