Baker Mayfield isn’t the only Buccaneer looking for a new contract.
Vita Vea has sat out of practice, including mandatory minicamp. NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reported that Vea’s lack of involvement is contractual, according to sources briefed on the situation.
The 31-year-old Vea enters the final year of his four-year, $71 million extension signed early in 2022. He is set to make $17 million in non-guaranteed base salary. Vea’s $17.75 million per year average ranks 19th among infielders. Nine of those players are making $24 million-plus per season, topped by Chris Jones at $31.75 million.
Coach Todd Bowles brushed aside a question about Vea, noting the veteran is healthy, but made no mention of contract disputes.
“We don’t need to see him right now,” Bowles said, via Joe Bucs Fan .
Vea is a two-time Pro Bowler and handles the offensive linemen in the middle of the Bucs defense. He is a one-man game destroyer and can still create penetration, earning 35 career sacks. Without the big man, the Tampa defense would be in a sore spot.
It remains to be seen if the Bucs have an appetite for an extension for the veteran nose tackle, or how long such a deal could be. A short-term extension that jumps Vea closer to the top spot but doesn’t break the bank long-term could make sense for both sides.
If a deal isn’t reached in training camp in late July, the question is whether Vea will hold a bit higher.