Tampa Bay and defensive tackle Vita Vea reach $48 million two-year extension
The Buccaneers and defensive tackle Vita Vea have agreed to a one-year, $30 million extension that adds a guaranteed $48 million total over two years, according to reports.
Tampa Bay announced that defensive tackle Vita Vea will receive a contract extension after holding out during mandatory minicamp and training camp. The deal adds a one-year, $30 million extension to his current contract, increasing his salary for the 2024 season by $6 million and guaranteeing a total of $48 million over the next two years, including a $24 million payment for the 2027 season.
Vea, who is in his early thirties, had been expected to possibly leave after the current season, but the extension secures his place on the roster. The Buccaneers have indicated a preference for a shorter-term commitment given his age, while acknowledging his role in the defense.
Since head coach Todd Bowles arrived in 2019, Vea has been a key component of Tampa Bay’s defensive line, posting averages of 32.6 tackles, 4.6 sacks, 44.1 pressures, 21.6 defensive stops and 6.3 tackles for loss per season. The team’s run defense has ranked among the league’s best during his tenure.