In the latest NFL rumors, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly still far apart on a new deal for veteran DT Vita Vea right before training camp in a few weeks. According to the source, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo adds that Tampa Bay isn’t in a rush to extend the former first-round pick. Originally selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Washington product held out of minicamp last month as he seeks a new contract. Similar to the Baker Mayfield situation, it will probably come down to these players on who the team will prioritize offering a new deal.
However, the team is waiting on that, too, but there hasn’t been any holdout from Mayfield this offseason. The QB wants a new deal, but isn’t going to be focused on an extension during the 2026 season. Tampa Bay could put themselves in a danger zone if they wait this one out. Mayfield could have one of the best seasons in his career this upcoming season, and that would give him the advantage to seek a higher and pricier contract.
He won’t seek anything along the lines of Patrick Mahomes’ latest deal, but if the Buccaneers extend him first, it could probably mean the end of Vea in Tampa Bay.
NFL Rumors: Buccaneers Facing $17M Contract Stall; Likely Leads to Blockbuster Trade
Who Will Tampa Bay Choose?
It feels too obvious to say Mayfield because, of course, the Buccaneers aren’t looking to rebuild unless they fire head coach Todd Bowles. However, if Vea holds out during training camp, they’d have no other choice but to pay up or trade him. What the Buccaneers can do is offer a two-year extension with guarantees, and that’s if the defensive tackle decides to not participate in training camp. Tampa Bay is hoping that doesn’t happen either.
However, nobody should rule out a trade here. Vea is 31 years old, and he’s not the same player he once was. The two-time Pro Bowler is probably playing his last long-term deal before he hits a point where a one-year contract is best given his age. Is he looking for a deal similar to what Jeffery Simmons got from Tennessee? Probably not since the Bucs star is older.
Rumors could swirl, though, if Vea receives a new deal and Mayfield is entering the 2026 campaign without one. It’d put the Buccaneers in a hole, so the best route might be to trade their defensive tackle while signing Mayfield to a long-term contract.
Potential Top Fits Emerge
Los Angeles Chargers
If the Los Angeles Chargers want a chance in the postseason, it might be best to build a ferocious defense. After this past offseason, it’s been a complete disappointment. The team brought back veteran Khalil Mack, but hasn’t added anyone dynamic to take this defense to the next level. While they signed Dalvin Tomlinson, it was to replace Otito Ogbonnia, who left to join the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
Tomlinson is under a one-year contract, so this means that he’s more of an experiment to see what he could do in this defense. With Jesse Minter gone, Jim Harbaugh must do everything he can to fulfill the promise of building a strong, “winning football games in the trenches” type defense. Vea could be the stepping stone towards that goal.
Baltimore Ravens
Speaker of Minter, Vea would probably blossom in Baltimore. Last year, the Ravens had one of the worst run defenses in the league, but they still re-signed Travis Jones and John Jenkins to new deals. The confidence looks to be there, but if Minter wants to mix it up, he could add the Buccaneers star in a trade to see how he fares with other defensive linemen, including free agent acquisition Calais Campbell.
This would be a no-brainer move from Minter, who had an explosive defense in LA last season.
