TAMPA, Fla. -- The hold-in for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea ended on Wednesday when the team announced it had agreed to terms on a contract extension with the two-time Pro Bowl player.
Vea and his agent, Collin Roberts, reached an agreement with the Bucs on a one-year extension that adds $6 million to the $18 million he was already set to make in 2026 for a total of $24 million, plus an additional $24 million in 2027, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. He'll make $30 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, but is effectively guaranteed all of the $48 million over the next two years, because it's unlikely the team will cut him.
Last month, prior to the start of training camp, Vea, 31, had requested a trade, as he had no guaranteed money on his existing deal and he wanted something that reflected market value and contributions. As it stood, Vea's deal put him 20th in the league in pay among interior defensive linemen.
"Vita is exactly the type of player and person we want to build around in Tampa Bay," Bucs general manager Jason Licht said. "He has been a dominant force in the middle of our defense, an exceptional teammate, and a tremendous leader in our locker room. One of the keys to our recent success has been our ability to draft, develop and re-sign core, foundational players who set the standard for what it means to be a Buccaneer.
"As one of our team leaders, Vita has played a big role in establishing that winning culture, and we are excited to have him continuing to help lead the way as we pursue our next championship."
Vea participated in the team's conditioning test on the reporting date of July 28. But he suffered a back injury, and he has not participated in a single training camp practice, although he has been present for classroom instruction and to assist teammates with drills.
As of Tuesday afternoon, sources said there was no movement. But things began to heat up Tuesday night, culminating in the new contract.
The $24 million per year that Vea will now make over the next two seasons ties him with Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown for 11th in the league among interior defensive tackles.
Bucs general manager Jason Licht said earlier this month that the team would not be trading Vea although he acknowledged that teams did inquire. He added that it's not outside the norm this time of year to field calls. He also said at the time that he "didn't want a minor thing to become a major thing."
Through three weeks of camp and Vea also not participating in mandatory minicamp - things were getting to a crucial point. The team is set to give starters - including quarterback Baker Mayfield - 8 to 15 snaps this week in their second preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Vea contributed 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits from the defensive tackle position last year. But his 65.6% pass rush rate vs double teams was ninth most in the league last year just behind Jeffery Simmons - eating up multiple blockers so his teammates could get to the quarterback. In fact, his 7.0 sacks created last year were fourth most in the league among inferior defenders.