While QB Baker Mayfield is looking for a new deal, Vita Vea trade rumors are heating up this summer as the defensive tackle is sitting out of mandatory minicamp and demanding a new contract. Vea, a former first-round pick, is reportedly holding out for an extension as the 31-year-old is entering the final year of his deal. The defensive tackle has spent his entire career with the organization and has been a wrecking force when manhandling opposing offensive linemen. The two-time Pro Bowler’s best season came in 2022, hauling in 6.5 sacks, 31 total tackles (15 solo), one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
The Buccaneers now have two contracts to deal with, and since they’d prefer to keep their veteran QB for the long haul, they might be forced to trade Vea. The team realistically can’t afford both deals, especially when WR Emeka Egbuka could demand a new deal in the next two seasons. However, the Buccaneers have time to get some type of contract done for the defensive tackle. As of this posting, Vea doesn’t have any guaranteed money left on his current $73 million extension, but will earn a $17 million base salary.
Vita Vea Trade Rumors: Bucs May Move Unhappy $71M Star
So What Now?
The Buccaneers could find a way to welcome back the star defensive tackle by extending him for another season, tied with guaranteed money. At the same time, if they do that, will the veteran accept the terms? It depends on what the veteran will do, but also what the Buccaneers are prioritizing. If they haven’t extended Mayfield, who is entering the final year of his contract, then who’s to say they will entertain a new deal for Vea?
With this, even a short-term extension could make the defensive tackle wary of signing it. However, the team would be digging itself a hole if the veteran breaks out for an All-Pro season this upcoming 2026 campaign. While head coach Todd Bowles isn’t concerned and says, “it’s a part of business,” they must figure something out to make the defensive tackle happy. What makes it more complicated is that they did heavily invest in the defensive front, drafting DT DeMonte Capehart and securing pass-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in the first round.
It isn’t to say that Vea is getting replaced anytime soon, but it sure seems like it’s heading that way. If the holdout becomes louder throughout next month, here are three teams willing to make a deal with the Buccaneers to acquire the defensive tackle.
Possible Trade Fits
Dallas Cowboys
After trading Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers, the DT position remains one of the most concerning positions the team must address. While they signed Otito Ogbonnia beforehand as a fill-in depth, he probably won’t be able to keep up with Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams. It was a head-scratcher why Dallas traded Odighizuwa, but they needed another draft pick to use in addressing the pass-rush, and they did. They selected Jaishawn Barham and Malachi Lawrence, who could stabilize this defensive group for the long haul.
Vea probably won’t need a long-term deal with the Cowboys, but it’d be nice to have him complete the defensive front package and lead this defense alongside Williams and Clark.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, with the loss of Ogbonnia, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Dalvin Tomlinson, but they haven’t signed anyone else explosive. The team used to have two promising defensive tackles in Teair Tart and Poona Ford before Ford bolted to the Rams last offseason. Los Angeles must swallow their pride and truly embrace winning football games in the trenches, and get Vea in the same room as Tart.
New York Giants
The Giants need to add a star defensive tackle after they were forced to trade Dexter Lawrence, since he was disgruntled. Vea could arguably be cheaper and may be willing to play on an extra season with the team if traded from Tampa Bay. While the team rolled the dice on DJ Reader, the current DT room between him and Leki Fotu is still concerning. The Buccaneers DT could solve the Giants’ issue at the position if traded here in New York.
