Buccaneers sign defensive tackle Vita Vea to one-year extension

Tampa Bay announced a one-year extension for defensive tackle Vita Vea on Wednesday, adding $30 million in new money and securing his services through at least the 2027 season. The deal followed a tense negotiation period in which Vea had reportedly considered a trade before reaching an agreement at training camp.

General Manager Jason Licht said, "Vita is exactly the type of player and person we want to build around in Tampa Bay. 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, the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft, has appeared in 112 games, starting 107, and has compiled 256 tackles, 35 sacks (eighth-most in franchise history), 79 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, three recoveries and nine passes defensed over his eight-year career.