Interesting Timing For Vita Vea Tweet
August 12th, 2026
Vita Vea plays spectator again at Bucs-Jets joint practice today.
Training camp began for the Bucs a full two weeks ago, and manbeast defensive tackle Vita Vea has only assumed the role of Tampa Bay’s largest fan.
Allegedly, Vea got hurt 15 days ago via a back tweak during a Bucs conditioning run and remains injured. Joe doesn’t know anyone who believes that. Vea is a “hold-in” after demanding a trade before training camp, and he’s almost been a shut-in.
Vea has not done a public interview since his decision to sit out and request a trade.
But right after Bucs-Jets joint practice today in New Jersey, Joe saw Vea talking to NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew, the former Pro Bowl running back. Then Vea walked into the Jets facility to head toward the Buccaneers’ team bus. Within the next 40 minutes or so, Vea shared the following Tweet on X.
If you can’t see it below, it’s an emoji of a guy shrugging his shoulders. The meat of the Tweet is NFL Network reporter Mike Garofolo sharing Pro Football Focus pass-rushing data from NFL defensive tackles who got massive contracts recently: Jeffrey Simmons, Quinnen Williams, Jalen Carter and Dexter Lawrence.
Vea is a quiet dude, so this is the equivalent of him speaking out, especially right after a practice when he very likely was with teammates. Also, Vea uses social media about as often as Joe has a salad for breakfast.
🤷🏽‍♂️ https://t.co/wzyn0thSnq
— vitavea (@VitaVea) August 12, 2026
August 12th, 2026 at 1:38 pm
I wonder if the Bucs offered him a raise for 1 year and he didn’t take it or if they did nothing at all. Curious…
August 12th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
He has been and still is the best we got.
August 12th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
He should have sent this to the Glazers instead of the world. The public has no impact on whether or not he gets a new contract.
August 12th, 2026 at 1:43 pm
Wheres the lie??? But no, people here dont want to pay “fat boy”…..ridiculous idiots. His bank will soon be a lot fatter….BANK ON IT!!!!
August 12th, 2026 at 1:44 pm
has he said that he wanted their type of money. Just how far away are the two sides. With Bain, Walker, Yaya, and the other additions this could come together. Calling on Clancey too step up.
August 12th, 2026 at 1:44 pm
Look at your signature big boy you signed and be a man !
August 12th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Get something done plz 1 year Extension with a raise
August 12th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
At least JL and Vea’s agent are talking.
August 12th, 2026 at 1:53 pm
The Glazers weren’t the target audience. The public, and other teams’ fans and front officer personnel, are.
August 12th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
While being double teamed more than anyone Ive ever seen!
The Glazers are not paying anyone this year.
If we don’t win the NFC South, Bowles, Licht, Baker and Vea are gone.
The Glazers don’t like wasting money on fired coaches.
They are not paying anyone. Everyone is in a contract year.
And after last year? Can you really blame them?
Personally? I would like to extend Vea for 3 years and let him retire as a Buc.
I think he’s still a great player and one of the most unique NFL players I’ve ever seen.
What do you thinks about Wirfs playing some FB like Trent Williams. And let Wirfs block for Vea on 4th and 1?
Can you imagine anyone stopping Wirfs and Vea?
August 12th, 2026 at 1:56 pm
He signed a grown man contract and is set to make more money in 1 yr than most fans will in their lifetime.
Trade him and be done with it, grown man child throwing a tantrum is all we are seeing.
August 12th, 2026 at 1:58 pm
Either pay him or trade him before the regular season starts. If he is a hold-in all season he may not get paid this year but we would lose any trade value.
August 12th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Bucs should look into trading him for a starting caliber outside corner and a draft pick. Bucs corner room looks thin.
August 12th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Where was Vita on 3rd and 28? Could’ve used him then…
August 12th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
He looks svelte in that picture.
I’ve never seen Vea that lean before?
Baker needs to realize his greed is also hurting Vea and the team.
Be like Brady! Sign a team friendly deal so we can keep this team together!
Mauch and Yaya need money next year too.
Come on Bake. Agree to 45 million per year for 3 years. Fully guaranteed.
Baker. You’ll still be richer than 99% of this planet.
Come on Cowboy. Be like Brady. Be reasonable.
August 12th, 2026 at 2:06 pm
Licht paid Zion instead of Vita so here we are. Damn shame, the best defender on the team gets hung out to dry. Hes earned an extension but the GM has wasted too much money over years. Smh
August 12th, 2026 at 2:13 pm
Pay vita or trade him. Don’t be stingy with a proven commodity and stud player. It’s lame to see this play out. Glazers are holding back the purse strings and I don’t blame vita one bit for holding in until he’s paid/traded. It’s a business decision.
August 12th, 2026 at 2:25 pm
Did Vea have an IV in his arm or an oxygen mask while watching so his injury wouldn’t worsen?
August 12th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
Once a player shows this side of themselves I’m done with them.
August 12th, 2026 at 2:42 pm
The problem with the “pay Vita” argument (don’t get me wrong, I want to see him retire a Buc) is that the Bucs only have $8,439,135 in tem cap space. I’ve repeatedly pointed folks to Over the Cap as reference to this fact.
So… what happens to Baker’s attitude when you pay the NT but not the QB, knowing that the QB is the most important guy on th field? I know Baker’s voiced support for VV, but I also know Baker’s not going to like being put on the back burner. And how much do you pay Vita? Because however much it is, is less money than you pay Baker later on — that’s how the cap works. The entire thing is both a money and ego balancing act.
I’d love Vita to get paid right now, but is it worth the can of worms it opens?
Vea does have a point that he’s underpaid, but when he signed the deal he was sitting right near the top of the pile and probably loved that the Bucs wanted him locked up long-term. Problem with being locked up long-term: you;re on that deal long… term… Other players are going to get paid. Worse players are going to catch you in pay. You wanted the long-term deal and now you’re pissed off because the very predictable end result eventually hit. Next time, don’t ask for the long term deal. Go 2-3 years at a time so you can negotiate to your worth.
August 12th, 2026 at 2:45 pm
Sometimes I don’t think a lot of fans understand the business of football. If you did, you’d 1000% understand why he is holding out. He has no money guaranteed after this year. From his perspective, It a possibility that he could go out this year and sustain an injury that could end his career. How many of you would take the chance of getting hurt and not earning another dollar from work beyond this year. The guy is one of the best players in the entire league and has watched guys that are not as good as him, reset the market and get paid more than him. This isn’t about “greed”. The man has a family. He owes it to them to secure his and their future as much as possible. If you don’t understand that, I don’t know what to tell you.
August 12th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
Trade him he gonna become a distraction he’s not a man who kept his word he signed a contract and wont honor it f him get this selfish fat f&$@ out of there and take baker carr with you bucs are hopeless
August 12th, 2026 at 2:59 pm
It already seems that we can’t pay both Baker and Vita Vea. Teacherman makes terrific point above in preceding comments. Moreover, if we can’t pay these two today – how are we supposed to keep our other key players next year (Cody Mauch, etc etc). Be careful what you wish for, Baker, it won’t be much fun running for your life playing on awful team (like say Cleveland or Carolina…Cleveland at least had some extra room and spent to bring on talented players whilst you were still on rookie QB deal). Some may say it’s a bit hypocritical to vocally lobby for Vita to get paid more when you’re own demands are directly impacting that from happening.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:01 pm
We should lock down Vea for another 2-3 seasons immediately.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:09 pm
All those guys EXCEPT for Vita are in their 20s.
You dont pay a big guy who will be in his mid 30s during a fat new contract big money. Not when you have to possible sign your QB and other much younger players.
JL playing is perfectly. Vita has ZERO leverage.
Play out the final year of your deal and if some team wants to pay a 32 yr old NT next year, so be it.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:15 pm
Trade him to the Seahawks for Witherspoon. Might have to throw a pick in, but chance to sign Witherspoon at end of season and use a high draft pick to
Replace VV
August 12th, 2026 at 3:19 pm
Any word on the Elijah Simmons injury from practice today? Because that could end up forcing our hand with regards to Vita if it ends up being something serious.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:21 pm
You guys thinking somebody is going to trade a top corner for a DT aren’t reading the room. If I’m the GM of any team that has Lichts’ ear and he says “give me your best CB” he’s going to tell you the trade off not between a 31 yr old Vea and their guy, he’s going to tell you who’s not paying Vea that he wants some kickback for having to give Vita the raise he wants.
Even if it were to happen, and we get a young CB on his rookie deal, it’ll cost more to keep him than it would to just give Vea a raise right now.
Where I’m from, they call that hustlin backwards, and that’s how it reads.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:22 pm
Relax.
Licht has a plan.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:23 pm
I think he’s gone soon.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:26 pm
Ill take a starting level CB for Vita. There are teams that could use a big NT and can afford to give up a CB.
Vita isnt getting a big, new, longterm deal here. He’s gone next year regardless.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:45 pm
WestPhillyBucsFan Says: “How many of you would take the chance of getting hurt and not earning another dollar from work beyond this year.”
I don’t feel strongly either way about NFL contracts…but…
I dunno about everyone else, but I’m over 40, I don’t have any sort of work contract, and never have, though I’ve been working since I was a teenager.
My pay isn’t guaranteed at all. Not even this year. If I get injured on the way home and can’t work…I guess I have whatever vacation time was coming to me.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:49 pm
This going to get really ugly come September is he going to play or is he going to sit out and are the Bucs going to fine him if he refuses to play or they just going to make up an injury like they are doing now.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:50 pm
Bee nailed it- Licht paid Zion
Vita sure would fit well with this revamped line.
What are they doing? Stats don’t lie. Also he did all that playing less.
August 12th, 2026 at 3:57 pm
Trade him for a probowl corner..which seems like the weakest link on the D, at least depth wise…I.want him in the middle dble teamed and freeing up the edge rushers forsure, but u got to walk away with something valuable if u cannot meet his demands
August 12th, 2026 at 4:02 pm
TAKE A GUESS …
Who is the only player on that list +30 years old?
August 12th, 2026 at 4:53 pm
I like Vita, but hey those numbers do not mean much if your on the sideline and not on the field.
Bradys second year, the Bucs went and got their backsides handed to them in LA.
The biggest thing that stuck out to me during the game was how Vita was on the sideline for alot of plays.
The camera went many times to the sideline and there was Vita standing there. The Rams were putting a can of whoop azz on the Bucs D and very much needed Vita in the game, but there he was on the sideline.
Again I like Vita, but hey man, fulfill your contract you signed.
If the Bucs do not pay you, fine, then leave.
But man if you under contract that no one forced you to sign, then honor it. Even if you cannot be out there fulltime, every down, you are still needed big time.
August 12th, 2026 at 4:58 pm
Hmm, I wonder why he didn’t list their ages next to the other stats…
Now with that said, I’d like to see Vea get paid and stay in Tampa for another 2 or 3 years, but– he has only played 1 full season his entire pro career.
August 12th, 2026 at 4:59 pm
I think the stats are pretty revealing and a very good argument. They should pay him. Pundits claim he’s aging but he’ll be big and strong at least for several years. It is low risk.
August 12th, 2026 at 5:31 pm
Unbelievable Says.. but– he has only played 1 full season his entire pro career.👀
Its in your court big man, maybe get on the field and play, you already agreed Vita, and signed your name on a contract.
What he has only played 1 full season..đź‘€
August 12th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
@Bakertan: Who is Clancey? Like Tom Clancey? Just asking for everyone else.
August 12th, 2026 at 5:41 pm
Let this sink in for a moment. Looking across 8 seasons, Vita trails everyone’s favorite punching bag Geraldini 93 in every major statistical category, including starts, tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. We let McCoy walk. Almost everyone was fine with it. Help me understand why Vea, who is under contract, deserves more $? #3&28Forever
August 12th, 2026 at 6:22 pm
Licht and his buddies are morons
August 12th, 2026 at 6:25 pm
WestPhillyBucsFan Says:
August 12th, 2026 at 2:45 pm
Sometimes I don’t think a lot of fans understand the business of football. If you did, you’d 1000% understand why he is holding out. He has no money guaranteed after this year. From his perspective, It a possibility that he could go out this year and sustain an injury that could end his career.
Let me play devil’s advocate for a second… Why would YOU pay someone a new contract that is still in a contract and that player can get hurt and never play again? Is it good business to pay someone guaranteed money that won’t ever play again?
August 12th, 2026 at 6:58 pm
“The problem with the “pay Vita” argument (don’t get me wrong, I want to see him retire a Buc) is that the Bucs only have $8,439,135 in tem cap space. I’ve repeatedly pointed folks to Over the Cap as reference to this fact.“
There’d be some possible cap manipulation with an extension of Vita.
We could guarantee some/all of his current cap hit as a signing bonus, which would drop his cap number and rework it to where the trade off for the money in his pocket will be less money per game.
It’d be somewhere between $10M-$12M, more language than that to describe the way it can be worked out, but from my understanding there’s a really plausible work around for that.
Could also still rework Goedeke and Winfields’ deals to free up cap.
August 12th, 2026 at 7:15 pm
WestPhillyBucsFan Says: “Sometimes I don’t think a lot of fans understand the business of football. If you did, you’d 1000% understand why he is holding out. He has no money guaranteed after this year. From his perspective, It a possibility that he could go out this year and sustain an injury that could end his career. How many of you would take the chance of getting hurt and not earning another dollar from work beyond this year”
WPBF, I say why do you think his $17,000,000 salary from this season can’t hold him and his family in a comfortable lifestyle??? And then there’s last year’s and his other 7 NFL season checks that paid him no less than $14,000,000+ each year!!!!! If he’s not worth at least $100,000,000 today he needs a new financial advisor!! I’m pretty sure that kind of money can take care of his family easily!! Just sayin’
August 12th, 2026 at 7:28 pm
Don’t get me wrong, some team will pay him more than he’s making now! It may be the Bucs or it will be some other team. Time will tell!
August 12th, 2026 at 8:03 pm
Jeffery Simmons 29 years old
Quinnen Williams 28 years old
Jalen Carter 25 years old
Dexter Lawrence 28 years old
Vita Vea 31 years old
Wake up, Vita.
August 12th, 2026 at 8:26 pm
Only so much coin to go around.
I thought by now after tge Brady era we would be in better shape, apparently not.
Seems like Vita issue could be solved along with Baker IF the owners wanted it so. Licht has done a great job up to this point, so there’s a reason these issues still are in front of us. EVERYONE; Bowles, Baker and Vita are on a 1 year Prove it and Make it $$$
Its just the NFL.
August 12th, 2026 at 11:11 pm
Now do one w the age Vea
August 12th, 2026 at 11:39 pm
Wayne perez Says:
“Licht and his buddies are morons.”
Who is his buddies?
August 13th, 2026 at 4:51 am
We paid McCollum, AWJ. Both play at a fraction of their contract value. VV got his second contract and continued to produce.
August 13th, 2026 at 6:40 am
Welp. I guess that’s why he’s earning $1 million+ per game this year to compensate for the his risk and low job market skills beyond football. His envy (deadly sin)is driving his pride (deadly sin) and revealing his greed (deadly sin). I don’t get to say to my lender… “I don’t like the interest rates on this loan I signed for 4 years ago. Rates are lower now so Im not paying.” Why should he be able to bail on his obligation?
I think most ppl here do have a basic economic understanding as you outline which is why we lack sympathy. While he assumes risk , after having already banked near $80 million over an 8 year career, most people will be grateful to have $1-2 million in retirement vessels after a 50 year career. 60 percent play Vea needs perspective beyond his coddled NFL bubble
August 13th, 2026 at 9:25 am
He’s been working with financial advisor and physical coach Suh. Those are reasons for slim down. Hopefully they worked more on strength trading and conditioning.