The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defensive tackle Vita Vea have agreed to a four-year, $73 million extension, per reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Vea’s contract extension includes $42 million in guarantees. It also makes him one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in the league.
Vita Vea Signs Contract Extension With Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay features one of the best run defenses in the entire league. A lion’s share of the credit belongs to Vea himself. He is a first-round draft selection of the 2018 NFL Draft, selected 12th overall by Tampa Bay. Vea spent three years at the University of Washington before declaring for the draft. He is widely considered to be the best nose tackle in the NFL. This is the ideal outcome for both the player and team when you select a player in the first round.
On the season, Vea has recorded 31 combined tackles, 21 solo tackles, and five tackles for loss. He has also registered 12 quarterback hits, three pass deflections, and four sacks. As far as fumble recoveries go, Vea has one on the season. He does not have any interceptions this year, but that comes as no surprise given the nature of the position. Vea has also started in 15 games on the season.
Smart move for Tampa Bay to lock up one of their best players on defense. A strong case can be made for Vea being the most important player on the Tampa Bay defense. You could also argue in favor of Lavonte David or Devin White and get little pushback from the Tampa Bay faithful. Regardless, this Tampa Bay run defense will be a force for years to come with this extension. If your team sports a run-heavy offense, then Tampa Bay is not the team you want to see on your schedule.
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