According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have locked down experienced defensive tackle Vita Vea with a one-year contract extension worth $30 million.
Hoping to resolve his contract status, Vea had staged a “hold-in” during training camp. Although the defensive tackle had previously asked to be traded, Tampa Bay stood firm in its decision not to deal him.
Vea’s previous deal had him under contract through 2026, which was the concluding year of a four-year, $71 million extension that began prior to the 2023 campaign following his 2022 season on a fifth-year option.
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With this new agreement, the interior defensive lineman is now committed to the Buccaneers through the end of the 2027 campaign.
Selected by Tampa Bay with the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Vea has established himself as one of the NFL’s most reliable defensive tackles. A key asset to his style of play is his massive size. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 347 pounds, he is highly effective at shutting down the interior running lanes.
During the previous season, he was in the starting lineup for all 17 matchups with the Buccaneers. He registered a total of 34 tackles and contributed 4.5 sacks, marking his fourth consecutive season with a minimum of 4.5 sacks.
His most productive season came in 2024, when he recorded a career-best seven sacks alongside 42 total tackles. This impressive showing secured him his second selection to the Pro Bowl.
Vea made his initial Pro Bowl appearance back in 2021. Over 16 contests that year, he tallied 33 tackles, four sacks, and hit the opposing quarterback 12 times.
Additionally, he was a key contributor on the Buccaneers squad that defeated the Kansas City Chiefs to capture the Super Bowl LV title.
By choosing to hold in during training camp, Vea reported to the team facilities but abstained from participating in practices. This approach differs from a traditional holdout, in which a player remains entirely absent, and it allowed Vea to steer clear of costly team-imposed fines.
With the contract dispute settled, Tampa Bay and their star defensive tackle can now refocus on preparing for their regular-season opener on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals.
