Buccaneers' Vita Vea holding out of padded practice amid contract push
Tampa Bay defensive tackle Vita Vea will not practice in pads without a new deal, though the team says talks are ongoing.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea is drawing a hard line in his contract standoff.
Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN): Vea, as of now, does not plan to step on the field in pads without a new contract. His issue: His $18M in 2026 pay is well below market despite 100+ pressures, 11.5 sacks since 2024. Bucs and Vea have been in contact about his deal.
Vea, as of now, does not plan to step on the field in pads without a new contract, according to Jeremy Fowler. The issue is compensation: his $18 million in 2026 pay sits well below market for a player who has generated 100-plus pressures and 11.5 sacks since 2024. Fowler adds that the Bucs and Vea have been in contact about a resolution.
The hold-in has been a storyline throughout camp. Bucs beat writer Greg Auman has noted Vea is present at practice but not participating, and head coach Todd Bowles said earlier this week the two sides would 'probably' talk next week, calling the situation 'ongoing.' There is no indication a resolution is imminent, leaving Tampa Bay to manage without one of its most disruptive interior defenders as the preseason winds down. Vea, 31, remains one of the league's premier run-stuffing and pass-rushing nose tackles when healthy and engaged.