Vita Vea’s future with the Buccaneers remains a storyline worth watching, and former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew offered an encouraging update on where things stand with Tampa Bay’s defensive anchor.
Jones-Drew said he recently spoke with Vea, who has remained in the Tampa area rather than returning home to California as he prepares for the season.
“We spoke a little bit about kind of where he’s living,” Jones-Drew said. “He’s saying he’s staying in the Tampa area. He doesn’t want to go home
[back to California] because he may get a little bit bigger.”
More importantly, Vea appears hopeful that conversations regarding his contract will continue as he also wants to build up Tampa Bay’s young defensive players.
“He’s hoping the talks continue there on his contract,” Jones-Drew added. “He’s still coaching his guys. We saw the defensive line look really good with Reuben Bain, and [Vea is] excited.”
Despite the uncertainty, it’s that Vea remains involved with his teammates. Jones-Drew noted that Vea hopes he gets the chance to play alongside them.
For the Buccaneers, keeping Vea in Tampa long term would preserve one of the defense’s most important veteran leaders and interior playmakers.
