# Vita Vea

NFL defensive tackle. Position: **DT**. Team: **Tampa Bay Buccaneers**.

## Quick Facts

- **Position:** Defensive Tackle (DT)
- **Team:** Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- **Draft:** 2018, 12th overall pick
- **Contract:** In final year of 4-year, $71M extension; scheduled $18M salary 2026

## 2026 Outlook

At 31 years old and in the final year of his 2022 extension ($18M salary in 2026), Vea is seeking a new contract. He missed all spring workouts in protest, skipped voluntary OTAs, and attended only mandatory minicamp. By July, after months of failed negotiations between GM Jason Licht and Vea's representatives, the veteran DT formally requested a trade. His participation in 2026 training camp is uncertain pending resolution of the trade request.

Vea remains a solid interior defensive lineman. His 2025 season (42 tackles, 7 sacks) earned him a 20th-best PFF grade among interior D-linemen, with elite pass-rushing prowess (top-12 grade) but more modest run defense (comparable to Kenny Clark and Neville Gallimore). He posted 40 total QB pressures (9th among DTs) and 4.5 sacks. His durability has been a strength—he was a cornerstone of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl LV championship defense. However, at 31 and facing potential departure, his 2026 value depends entirely on resolution: trade to a contender, extended contract with Bucs, or holdout. (per NFL Network: Two-time Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers)

## Role / Depth Chart

Established starter and two-time Pro Bowler. Played all 17 regular-season games in 2025 with 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 13 QB hits. Known for disruptive presence on the interior defensive line.

## Injury Status

Unclear. Notably played slightly below typical size in 2025 (6-4, 347 lbs vs. usual weight). No active injuries reported heading into 2026 training camp.

## Recent News

- 2026-07-27 — NFL Network: Two-time Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers (NFL Network: Two-time Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers)
- 2026-07-27 — Bucs DT Vita Vea reportedly requests trade due to failed contract negotiations (Bucs DT Vita Vea reportedly requests trade due to failed contract negotiations)
- 2026-07-27 — Vita Vea landing spots: Veteran DT requests trade from Buccaneers after failed... (Vita Vea landing spots: Veteran DT requests trade from Buccaneers after failed...)
- 2026-07-27 — Bucs DT Vita Vea requests trade after failed attempts at contract extension (Bucs DT Vita Vea requests trade after failed attempts at contract extension)
- 2026-07-27 — Two-time Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers (Two-time Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers)
- 2026-07-27 — Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers after failed contract extension talks (Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers after failed contract extension talks)
- 2026-07-27 — Trade request after contract negotiations stall (bucs-dt-vita-vea-reportedly-requests-trade-due-to-failed-contract-negotiations-yahoo-sports)


## Open Questions

- Will Bucs trade Vea or resolve contract situation?
- If traded, which team lands him?

## Sources

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Source: https://chatffb.com/players/vita-vea · ChatFFB — fantasy football answers updated from a live news wiki.