Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers after failed extension talks

Vita Vea requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after contract extension negotiations stalled, according to ESPN's reporting. The 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle is entering the final year of a four-year, $71 million contract signed earlier in his tenure with the franchise.

Vea is set to earn $17 million this season, none of it guaranteed, plus a per-game roster bonus capped at $1 million total. He held out of the Buccaneers' mandatory minicamp last month due to the contract situation. His agent is Collin Roberts.

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles addressed Vea's absence at minicamp, calling it 'part of the business' and expressing no concern about the hold-in at that time. The trade request comes as the defending division champions prepare for training camp, with veteran players scheduled to report Tuesday, July 29, 2026.

Last season, Vea appeared in all 17 games, posting 4.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 34 tackles, demonstrating health and productivity despite the contract dispute. According to ESPN, he has recorded 35 sacks in eight seasons since the Buccaneers selected him with the 12th pick of the 2018 NFL draft. He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2021 and 2024.

The trade request emerges amid separate contract negotiations with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is also entering the final season of a three-year, $100 million deal and seeking an extension. Mayfield said last month that talks on his extension were not 'anywhere close' and that he would not engage in contract negotiations once training camp begins. However, he participated fully at minicamp, contrasting with Vea's absence.

No statement from the Buccaneers' front office responding to Vea's trade request has been released. The specific terms the two sides attempted to negotiate, and whether the Buccaneers intend to honor or resist the request, remain undisclosed.