Vita Vea Posts Cryptic Tweet, Shares Stat Comparison Amid Trade Request, Bucs Contract Talks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Vita Vea said a lot without actually saying anything in a social media post Wednesday.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo cited some statistics pointing to Vea's on-field impact, comparing him to other notable interior defenders. The two-time Pro Bowler shared the message while adding the shrugging emoji:

Vea requested a trade in July after he and the team hit an impasse over a new contract. He's in the final year of his deal, and his $17.8 million average salary looks pretty modest in the current market.

Garafolo reported Wednesday that Vea's representatives and the Bucs have maintained a dialogue. They aren't yet close to reaching an agreement, though:

While outlining his insight, Garafolo pointed to four other linemen who received a big payday this offseason: Jeffery Simmons, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence. When Vea has a resume on par with or even surpassing some in that group, his desire for a raise is understandable.

At 31, however, Vea is also the oldest one of the five. Carter only turned 25 in April. Lawrence and Simmons are 28. Williams is 29. In the case of Lawrence, he only got one year added to his existing contract as well.

Nobody, including Tampa Bay's management, will question how good Vea is and how valuable he is to the defensive line. Still, having concerns about how much to pay him moving forward is understandable, and the Bucs have to account for how much it will take to keep quarterback Baker Mayfield past the 2026 season.

Vea and his reps can rattle off whatever stats they want. Nothing will trump his age as it relates to his future earnings.