Vita Vea Trade Rumors Addressed by Bucs GM After DT's Agent Sounds Off on Contract Dispute

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht ruled out a trade involving disgruntled star Vita Vea.

Licht told reporters Thursday he has "no plans" of moving on from the defensive lineman, who's angling for a new contract.

Vea's agent, Collin Roberts, struck a much different tone when discussing the situation with the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud.

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

Vea will make a $17 million base salary in the final year of his contract, one that puts his earnings out of step in the current market. His $17.8 million average salary ranks 22nd among interior linemen, and it's less than half what Jalen Carter will collect annually ($38 million) from his new contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 31-year-old is a two-time Pro Bowler and had another solid season in 2025. He finished with 4.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss while anchoring Tampa's line.

Spotrac puts Vea's market value at $31.5 million. Even assuming there's room for interpretation with that number, he warrants a nice pay raise.

The Bucs have to balance that against the fact quarterback Baker Mayfield is a free agent in 2027 and safety Antoine Winfield will hit the market the following offseason.

Signing a defensive lineman in his mid-30s to a long-term extension may not be the wisest investment, either.

As both sides are dug in, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this week on The Pat McAfee Show that a trade could happen.

"The fact of the matter is, Vita Vea is very unhappy," the NFL insider said. "He's already asked for that trade. I don't see this situation changing anytime soon."

Last year, the Dallas Cowboys didn't start scrambling the moment Micah Parsons requested a trade in early August. Weeks later, he was a member of the Green Bay Packers.

Licht may be genuine with his comments Thursday, but things will remain fluid absent a firm resolution. You wouldn't be surprised either way if Vea and the Bucs find some middle ground on a new contract or he instead winds up playing elsewhere by Week 1.