LOS ANGELES -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be on the verge of losing another cornerstone player after star defensive tackle Vita Vea officially requested a trade, creating one of the biggest storylines of the NFL offseason and immediately sparking speculation that the two-time Pro Bowler could be headed back to the West Coast.
Vea, 31, is seeking a new long-term contract after negotiations with the Buccaneers stalled. His agent confirmed the trade request just before veterans were scheduled to report for training camp. Although Vea is expected to report to camp, his future in Tampa Bay has become increasingly uncertain as he enters the final season of his current contract, which carries a non-guaranteed base salary for 2026.
The request comes during a period of significant change for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has already seen longtime linebacker Lavonte David retire while franchise icon Mike Evans departed in free agency to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, leaving the organization facing one of its biggest roster transitions in years.
One of the league's most dominant interior defensive linemen since entering the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Vea has been the anchor of Tampa Bay's run defense and helped lead the franchise to a Super Bowl LV championship. Over eight seasons, he has totaled 256 tackles and 35 sacks while earning two Pro Bowl selections. Last season, he started all 17 games, recording 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits.
With Vea now on the trade market, oddsmakers at BetOnline Sports & Casino believe Southern California is the most likely destination.
#contract
Vea, 31, is seeking a new long-term contract after negotiations with the Buccaneers stalled. His agent confirmed the trade request just before veterans were scheduled to report for training camp. Although Vea is expected to report to camp, his future in Tampa Bay has become increasingly uncertain as he enters the final season of his current contract, which carries a non-guaranteed base salary for 2026.
The request comes during a period of significant change for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has already seen longtime linebacker Lavonte David retire while franchise icon Mike Evans departed in free agency to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, leaving the organization facing one of its biggest roster transitions in years.
One of the league's most dominant interior defensive linemen since entering the NFL as the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Vea has been the anchor of Tampa Bay's run defense and helped lead the franchise to a Super Bowl LV championship. Over eight seasons, he has totaled 256 tackles and 35 sacks while earning two Pro Bowl selections. Last season, he started all 17 games, recording 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 13 quarterback hits.
With Vea now on the trade market, oddsmakers at BetOnline Sports & Casino believe Southern California is the most likely destination.
#contract
2 days ago
