Multiple sources have reported that franchise cornerstone Vita Vea has requested a trade from the Buccaneers.
Vea, 31, has played 8 seasons for Tampa as one of the most elite nose tackles in the NFL and a massive fan favorite — both figuratively and literally at 6-foot-4, 347 pounds. Vea has sought a new contract all off-season, as he’s scheduled to be a free agent in 2027 at age 32.
He was a hold-in at mandatory mini-camp, and he’s expected to report to training camp, but this latest tactic shows that Vea’s representation is hitting the nuclear option on negotiations, which have reportedly gone nowhere.
It’s fair to speculate the Bucs have instead focused heavily on quarterback Baker Mayfield’s extension, something that obviously holds higher importance than any potential Vea deal. Mayfield gave a deadline of training camp for any extension to happen before the season’s end.
If any trade involving Vea were to materialize, the Bucs would be faced a with sizable dilemma on their defensive line. Without a dominant block eater and pocket pusher, they’d need to expect major contributions from the likes of Elijah Simmons, Jayson Jones, and rookie DeMonte Capehart.
Either way, a resolution should be expected within the next month or so.
