Vita Vea's contract situation complicates Buccaneers' preseason plans
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 15, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Aug 15, 2026

Vita Vea remains absent from Buccaneers training camp as the preseason begins. Citing a minor back injury, Vea has not participated in the team's early practices amid ongoing contract negotiations. His current average salary of $17.75 million lags behind many of his peers in the league, prompting speculation about a possible trade demand. Buccaneers GM Jason Licht has stated he does not intend to trade Vea, but the team faces significant pressure to resolve this matter quickly considering Vea's importance to their defensive strategy. The situation may define the Buccaneers' upcoming season as the clock ticks toward their opener.
- •Vita Vea has missed several practices due to a back injury.
- •His contract negotiations are causing tension ahead of the season opener.
- •20 NFL defensive tackles earn more than Vea's $17.75 million average salary.
- •Jason Licht has no plans to trade Vea despite trade speculation.
- •Vea's role as a top run-stopper is critical for Tampa Bay's defense.
- 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — What’s at stake? Just millions, a Bucs season and Vita Vea’s career
"Preseason games are now officially underway, and the defensive tackle is still way underpaid. It’s a quandary, no doubt about it.
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