Adam Schefter: Vita Vea Is Just Making “Noise”
July 29th, 2026
Does Vita Vea really hate the Bucs and really hate his teammates and really hate Todd Bowles? One NFL uber insider seems dubious.
Bucs Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea demanded a trade Monday night. His wish is tied to what he and his camp believe are lethargic contract extension negotiations. Hence, the demand for a trade.
Questioned about Vea, Adam Schefter of ESPN thinks all Vea wants is for Team Glazer and Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht to show him some love — and money, of course.
Vea is in the final year of his contract and he’s due to pocket $18 million in 2026. That’s far from the market value for Vea.
“[The Bucs and Vea] have not made any progress towards a new deal, and whenever you hear a player request a trade the way Vita Vea now has, that tells you that the player is unhappy with the state of current contract negotiations,” Schefter said. “They haven’t made any progress, and as long as that’s the case, Vita Vea is letting it be known across the league that he’s not happy in Tampa.
“He wants that new extension. You look at the money … that’s gone around this offseason to many of the defensive tackles. … Vita Vea wants his with a year left on his deal. Tampa’s been unwilling to do it.
“As long as that’s the case, [Vea is] going to make noise as he did [Monday], saying that he would like to be traded away from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
So basically it sounds like Vea and the Bucs are playing chicken. Whichever side gets run over by the train loses.
If the Bucs are willing to go to the wire and not pay Vea, they might as well trade him and get something for him. What’s the point of making a point only to tee off one of your best players and help torpedo the season just so you can say you won a war of wills?
Unless winning a war of wills would be a shot across the bow at Baker Mayfield’s camp?
July 29th, 2026 at 2:54 am
Winning a war of wills? What is this? Is that fat clown Licht thinking “I better set the point for all these losers.”
Tell me the name of one GM that was successful by “winning the war of wills.”
He’s turning Tampa into Cincinnati of the South, or the Jets. And all this hogwash about players want to play here because of no income tax. Where are they?
Licht has totally blown his reputation, and he will never get it back.
Evans and David and Rashad White and Dean could all see that the nose of the plane was pointing down, and they all parachuted out of here.
Mismanagement. Licht is Fredo. A fat Fredo.
July 29th, 2026 at 3:53 am
MHKen is probably right about Evans and Dean but off the mark on David (old guy who was once great but was washed up last season, even said he loafed right along with the rest of the D) and Rashaad White as White basically did something which a lot of people knew but no one in the Buc org did say: that Bowles should have given up defensive play calling if he is head coach. That admission probably cost White some coin. After all, he only got a minimal $2 million deal from Washington even Sean Tucker earned more coin than that. Calling out your coach, even if what he said was spot on, is a good way to get a bad name in coaching circles.
As for Licht, he plays it way too cute with the draft picks. He covets them to no end which would be fine if he actually got return on the picks’ value but look at Braswell, Aguayo, MJ Stewart, Trask, OJ Howard, etc.; all busts. Last season he could have parted with one of his sacred day 3 picks to get some OL help but he’s rather collect the picks. Licht also chose to keep Teddy Hospital Ball Bridgewater as the backup QB; major fail as well. Licht earned a lot of time and rope by getting Arians and TB12 on board but that is ancient history. Now he is basically playing chicken as Joe said. Is he willing to sacrifice the season to protect his ego? Does he want to win a fight with Vea’s agent or win the division? What is Jason’s end game? As bad as Bowles is as head coach, Jason has made some questionable choices as well.
July 29th, 2026 at 4:28 am
Well, I guess he’s free to check around the league then, and just see what some other teams are willing to give HIM (and plus what they’re willing to give UP in return). But, like I’ve said all along… There is NO possible way IN HELL, that he just walks-away from $18-MILLION, by ‘sitting-out’ for the entire season. The Bucs are only being SMART. I mean you can’t be a ‘rational’ person, IF you think it’d be a good idea, dedicating $80-MILLION per year of your future salary caps LONGTERM, into TWO aging 32-YEAR OLDS. Who are neither, the ‘elite’ of THE ELITE. And, on a team that is NOWHERE EVEN CLOSE yet, to being a ‘legit’ contender inside of their Super Bowl Window. I mean, those are the type of moves that BAD Franchise’s always make. Especially, for a franchise that has already made their fair share of HORRIBLE moves over the past season, or two. It’s the type of move(s) that can just CRUSH teams for a long time. The risks just farrrr outweigh any potential rewards.
July 29th, 2026 at 4:40 am
IF they were both 25-26 years old, then we would not even be having this discussion right now. But, they’re NOT.
July 29th, 2026 at 4:58 am
Baker seems to me to be more replaceable than Vea.
If Vea will extend for something like four years at $22M with incentives to hit $25M with two years guaranteed, I would put that ahead of doing anything now with Baker.
If Vea is seriously wanting something like $30M, then I would just ride it out and let him bust his butt this year to try to get crazy money from someone next year.
July 29th, 2026 at 5:06 am
@ ModHairKen Says: “Tell me the name of one GM that was successful by “winning the war of wills.”
Well, Howie Roseman with REDDICK, for one! And, ummmm… Almost EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM EVER, with circumstances like Vea’s. 💯
July 29th, 2026 at 5:27 am
For every player that wants out, there’s double the amount that want in. Evans 12 years, Vea 9 years, that’s a whole career with one team. Their time here just ran out, nothing stays the same, life goes on. Players coming, and going in the NFL is just the way it is. Get over it.
July 29th, 2026 at 5:35 am
I don’t think there’s a lot of room to play around with Vea. Licht IS playing with fire and the thing is… THE PLACE IS ALREADY BURNING!
WAY, WAY, WAY too much heat between management and the players AS IS! W…T…F is Licht trying to do? Is HE at the heart of the problems? Is he attempting the height of stupidity?
Remember the term : “Your players ARE your players”? If Licht keeps playing “Big Shot” as he’s dancing with the Devil, this WHOLE THING could well IMPLODE!
It most CERTAINLY came down to it between players and coach! THAT was a mere few months ago! And now he doesn’t feel it’s wise to get in front of a “Full On Disaster” and put a fire or two Out so as it doesn’t get OUT OF CONTROL between players and now Management…. ? Boy…….. You better get your chit together FAST!
July 29th, 2026 at 5:41 am
BTW,
I’ve got sharp pitchforks and long burning torches on sale. Buy now while supplies last! 🙂
July 29th, 2026 at 5:54 am
Actually, the Patriots have been using this formula for 20 years and they are right back in contention. They have been extremely successful replacing aging veterans with younger talent. When they do it, they are geniuses, but when Licht does it, he’s an idiot? Facts over feelings please! The 10th highest paid lineman is making $21.5 million and Vea is ranked 20th making $18 million. Not a ton of difference there.
July 29th, 2026 at 6:10 am
If going rate is 28 million a year then he is being paid fairly for a part time player
July 29th, 2026 at 6:28 am
Save the money for YAYA
July 29th, 2026 at 6:47 am
Everyone needs to remember a few things:
This is just business. Please don’t get emotional about people going through the motions of a contract negotiation.
VV is unique and deserving of a raise.
VV is also old for a DT, so he knows he’s not getting top dollar. But the fact that he knows this is his last chance at big money, there’s bound to be desperation on his part. He knows after this next contract it only goes down after that.
I’m not mad at any of them, just get it done.
ON TO THE CAMP REPORTS!!
July 29th, 2026 at 7:08 am
I get worried about all this stuff….then I remember Bill Walsh kicked Joe Montana to the curb when he was still a GREAT player, for economic reasons. It’s a business
July 29th, 2026 at 7:32 am
Trouble in paradise.
July 29th, 2026 at 7:33 am
I was the first to say this is JL’s and TB’s prove it year. At this point it’s not looking so good for either. The CB room is just awful. If JL doesn’t bring in an experienced CB, Burrow will torch them in Game 1. I know the headlines and local sports media, Burrow is a future HoF QB. He has uber great receivers. Be patient with them. It’s just them getting used to new coaches. Blah, blah, blah. Why protect JL? Why protect TB?
July 29th, 2026 at 7:50 am
It seems strange that almost no one is considering the Bucs’ salary CAP situation when they analyze Licht’s options with Mayfield, Vea, etc. Bottom line: He’s got very little flexibility to make any BIG contracts.
Bucs Adjusted Salary CAP is $317.5 mil for 2026. We currently rank #31 in the NFL in terms of our Active 53-man Allocation … $330.9 mil. Our Top-51 CAP Allocation is down at $309.0 mil, giving us $8.5 mil of CAP Space … ranking 27th in the NFL. IOW, Licht doesn’t really have a huge amount of wiggle room to make big contracts.
Gut feel is that he’s perfectly willing to let both Mayfield and Vea play this year under their existing contracts, and THEN figure out how to handle each of them for 2027.
July 29th, 2026 at 7:57 am
I still think a good reason to change from Todd after last season was to give a new HC a year with Baker to evaluate the situation. It would have been fair for both the team and Baker.
Oh well…. Go Bucs!
July 29th, 2026 at 8:01 am
Give Vita an incentive based rider for 2026 based on games , snaps played, tackles, sacks , a way for him to earn another 7 million. Stretch goals, he hits them both sides win. Team wins as a whole, Vita wins and earns a new contract with the Bucs or his next team. This path diffuses the situation and we focus on winning and not drama.
July 29th, 2026 at 8:07 am
agree with @toopanca
i think when it comes to Vita, licht is playing with fire….
very possible in vita’s case that he’ll have the best year of his career this year and if licht offers a deal mid season vita will say nope you had your chance & walk leaving licht pissing in the wind
Vita needs to be extended
GO BUCS!!!!!
July 29th, 2026 at 8:16 am
Bucs are telling the fans what they think of this team and coach by not extending Baker and Vita.
By not extending either one they are giving themselves flexibility for the 2027 off season. They are telling us they do not know what they have in Todd, Baker or this Defense.
If the Bucs front office thought they had a top 10 QB, they’d pay him. If they were coming off a dominant defensive effort in a playoff game they’d extend Vita.
Where was Baker at during the 2-7 slide to end the season?
Where was Vita on 3rd and 28?
You CANNOT reward those types of performances
July 29th, 2026 at 8:26 am
Would it not be ironic if Fat Boy sits out or is traded that the Bucs step up and bring Suh out of retirement to replace him. Hahahahahahahahahhaha
July 29th, 2026 at 8:43 am
LoL directly in the face of all who try to water down the obvious signs player are separating themselves from a mediocre at best HC!
July 29th, 2026 at 8:45 am
I had an offline discussion about Vea yesterday that changed my mind on something I said (typed) on JBF yesterday…
Yesterday, I said something to the effect that paying for Bowles might be why Vea was asking for a trade. I now doubt that’s true because Vea’s known for roughly 6 months that Bowles was keeping his job. If it really was about playing for Bowles, he wouldn’t have waited for training camp to request the trade — he’d have done it months ago.
So… contrary to my opinion from yesterday… there appears to be at least one problem at OBP that Bowles isn’t directly responsible for.
July 29th, 2026 at 8:51 am
You can blame Bowles for years of AWFUL Pass Defense, mis using players, awful clock management, and overall bad leadership but you can’t put Vita wanting out on him.
July 29th, 2026 at 9:03 am
Who cares hes under contract. he can report to camp or lose all his money sitting out the whole year. He’s not getting traded. make him play and wait until next year then give him a two year deal or let him walk
Trade his ass to Cleveland they have lots of draft picks. Honestly whats the difference winning 5 games with the browns or 6 this year with the bucs
July 29th, 2026 at 9:29 am
Give me a fing break with “JL is playing with fire” BS!
Vita agreed to his HUGE new contract at the time he signed it. He is now on the wrong side of 30 and wants another HUGE new contract.
The only way JL screws things up is by letting the inmates run the asylum. You can’t handle out new deals everytime a player makes a demand (threat). Vita had a fully guaranteed rookie deal. The Bucs picked up his 5th year option. Then rewarded him with a 4yr deal that paid him 75 million with 40 mil in guaranteed money. Cry me a river.
July 29th, 2026 at 9:31 am
It’s not that strange @ DR.
Everyone thinks it’s monopoly money that can be manipulated any way you want. It’s actually true to an extent, until eventually you have to pay up – like the last 4 or 5 years of super bowl payback, as you well know.
Unfortunately, JL has mismanaged the cap room from the several years of payback. We’re slap up against the limit again this year and have 20 of our own FA to renegotiate in ’27 along with figuring out Baker and Vea. Other prominent names that will be wanting sizable increases will be Mauch, Yaya, A’Shawn, AQM, Mclaughlin and possibly Godwin. There will certainly not be enough to go around for all of these guys. Trading Vea if he really wants to go at least helps the cap and we could get some compensation. Not that I prefer losing Vea.
JL has boxed himself into a major restructuring of players and cap money in ’27 and ’28. The shine will come off his ROH glam.
July 29th, 2026 at 9:56 am
If Bowles puts Bain into pass coverage fire him on the spot
July 29th, 2026 at 10:17 am
If the Bucs made Mike Evans, a future HOF’er, play out his contract, what makes Vita and Baker think they’re going to treat them any differently. Mike said the same thing Baker said. “If I’m not signed by training camp, I’m shutting down contract negotiations and am entering free agency.” They didn’t, he did and he came back. No harm no foul.
July 29th, 2026 at 10:36 am
Called it.
July 29th, 2026 at 10:38 am
Oh crap fanbuc with a left hook of common sense! Down goes Frazier Down goes Frazier!! You just forgot to throw the beloved Mayfield in the mix!! Great post Fan!
July 29th, 2026 at 10:53 am
Are we committed to Godwin in ’27? That would free up a bit, Yaya and Mauch coming due
July 29th, 2026 at 11:10 am
Most of the comments don’t reference the fact that there is a salary cap in the NFL. This is not MLB. You can’t pay everyone. Brady took discounts throughout his career to ensure that he had talent around him. It is not wise to overpay 30+ year old players. I am a bit surprised that Baker (I really like him) won’t take a good, not great, deal as long as they commit to putting talent around him. Love Vita Tea, but don’t pay him top ten money!
July 29th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
A bunch of deferred dead cap money due to Godwin still in ’27. More of JL cap mismanagement. 30 mil cap hit for ’27.
July 29th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Another 8mil in dead cap money in’28 when he is a FA.
July 29th, 2026 at 3:00 pm
When you play with fire it’s easy to get burn. Careful what you wish for.