“Zero Plans To Take The Field”
August 16th, 2026
Manbeast Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea is an iconic Buccaneer, a Super Bowl champion who will be remembered in Tampa for generations to come.
But Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht and Team Glazer have realized that life goes on without your icons.
Bucco Bruce Arians retired unexpectedly. So did Ali Marpet. Tom Brady hung up his cleats. Mike Evans sprinted away from Tampa to play for the 49ers. Father Time tackled Lavonte David from behind.
And while Bucs Super Bowl starting cornerbacks Jamel Dean, Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting are not franchise legends, together they were legendary. So Joe will note how all three are under 30 years old and enjoying fat contracts with new teams.
Old school Bucs fans will remember how legendary defensive tackle Warren Sapp found a new team at 31 years old. At 32, Hall of Fame Bucs safety John Lynch left Tampa for the Broncos (and four Pro Bowl seasons). Six-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy played his last Bucs game at 30 years old.
Time marches on.
At 31 years old, Vea has asked to be traded — and he’s refused to practice all year.
Interestingly, reports on Vea’s status from ESPN and NFL Network over the past two days omitted any mention of the injury the Bucs said Vea suffered 2 1/2 weeks ago while running at One Buc Palace. It’s as if someone (Vea’s agent?) gave a green light to reporters to end the con job on that alleged injury.
Reliable Jeremy Fowler reported Friday on ESPN TV that Vea has “beef” with the Bucs.
Vea, per Fowler, is not happy about how his peers got fat contract extensions paying $25 million to $30 million per season. Vea is due about $18 million this season and will be a free agent in March.
“I’m told Vea has zero plans to take the field right now without either a new deal or a trade,” Fowler said. “Perhaps that changes, but that’s his stance.”
Just like Network reporter Mike Garafolo noted Friday from the Bucs-Jets game, Fowler says many teams have shown interest in trading for Vea.
A big Bucs decision is forthcoming.
History suggests Vea will have a new team.
A graphic seen Friday on ESPN TV.
August 16th, 2026 at 3:54 am
Trade him to SF for Mike Evans and a 2nd round pick!
August 16th, 2026 at 3:54 am
Then, GOOD. He can be just like Barry Sanders, and RETIRE.
August 16th, 2026 at 4:01 am
Big fan of Vita but I’m a bigger fan of the Buccaneers. If Vita is gone, Ill certainly miss the Aura Farming celebration in Tampa.
August 16th, 2026 at 4:13 am
The Bengals had to extend Lawrence after giving up the 10TH Overall Pick, AND he’s quite a bit YOUNGER. Also, by using the term “Extension” for Lawrence, is being quite generous at BEST… Given, that it was for JUST ‘ONE’ additional year, AND only $10-MILLION of it being guaranteed. Yeah, that did make it 3-YEARS in total, BUT it just goes to show that ALL of these deals are unique on their own, and with several different factors. They are NOT just happening in a vacuum. Believe me, I’d MUCH RATHER have me some very valuable 2027 Draft-Capital out of this if possible, BUT if VEA is trying to purposely destroy his value… I’m Going To DESTROY HIM. 💯 💯 💯 💯 “You’ll Either PLAY or RETIRE, Big-Guy.” I said in the very beginning, that this could get very ugly… Well, that’s all entirely up to HIM. I would show HIM real quick, that I can be A LOT ‘uglier’ than HIM. The BUCS control “HIS” DESTINY, and he better play real NICE.
August 16th, 2026 at 4:42 am
It’s been looong past time, that THIS Bucs FO start showing a lot more backbone and shrewdness with these players. They’ve played too damn NICE for way too long now, and that is exactly why they have found themselves, in their current situation. I think they finally woke up… Now, that they know their jobs are on the line. The ‘realities’ started hitting them, after it reached the point, to where they could no longer deny it. There had to be a restart. It was a fricking COUNTRY CLUB atmosphere for far too long. Just waaaayyy too loyal, and content with soooo many different individuals… Players, Coaches, & on and on. It’s time to ‘act-like’ BOSSES AGAIN. Change is always tough on the old guys! So, in with the new, and OUT with the old. Get the right leadership in here, and LET’S GO. It’ll be exciting, and soooo much fun… With a Dan Lanning, or Shane Steichen (if the Colts really are stupid enough to fire HIM).
August 16th, 2026 at 5:23 am
He’ll have no choice but to take it he field when the season starts. Until then, let him rest.
August 16th, 2026 at 5:37 am
He doesn’t realize it yet, but listening to Suh may be costing him his career. Barring an extremely good offer, the Bucs should not trade him. He signed his current contract and was happy to do it at the time. If he had not done this, the Bucs probably would have offered him a good extension by not…or a new contract after this season.
Now they have to put their foot down.
More than that cthe Bucs currently have only $8,571,627 of cap left…and they need to re-sign Baker.
Who’s more important? Baker or Vea? Certainly not Vea, who has maybe two years of playing left.
I suppose trading him would free up the money to pay Baker…that might be worth it. Doing so would give them $28m toplay with, along with an extra pick or two.
You konw what? I’m flipping to the trade him crowd. Get a 2nd and a 5th,dump his salary and pay Mayfield.
August 16th, 2026 at 5:37 am
Just trade him already! He already plays 50% of the time, not sure that improves with zero practice.
August 16th, 2026 at 6:07 am
Cool, trade him for his value, or let him warm the bench.
August 16th, 2026 at 6:19 am
Trade him. I want him to stay and I want players to get paid but I’m tired of seeing stories about him everyday at this point
August 16th, 2026 at 6:25 am
Its getting ridiculous! We finally get some good dogs on D, like Vea has always been (while not injured)…and now dont want to pay a fair price for his services. Yes, he singed a contract, blah blah….but at 18 mill this year when he’s worth at least 22 to 25? And maybe he only plays 2 or 3 more years. I dont see the problem with upgrading his pay a little and giving him a new 2 year contract.
Tear up the old contract and pay him a little more. Its def going to be worth it!! We’re about to have a very dominant D! Just need some CB help.
August 16th, 2026 at 6:29 am
He’s good….. but he’s not THAT good. He plays 2/3’s of the time when healthy. Ira made a great point on the podcast. The nature of contracts in the NFL is that you are likely overpaid at the beginning of the contract and not so much at the end. If they can get a 2nd, trade him. He’s not going to let $1 million a week walk out the door per game by sitting out. If they bumped him a couple million this year to get it done, I wouldn’t lose any sleep.
Suh has been very savvy with his money but when did Suh EVER have a non-dramatic contract negotiation with ANY TEAM?
August 16th, 2026 at 6:30 am
Give the man what he wants!!!! He wants a trade? GIVE IT TO HIM!!! Who wants someone here who doesn’t want to be here?? He will sit out until it starts to cost him money? Why wait for that to happen? Trade him, add his salary to the Cap AND SIGN BAKER!!!!! PERIOD!!!!
August 16th, 2026 at 6:38 am
Extended versus new contract? Which is it?
August 16th, 2026 at 6:43 am
I wonder if he gets a new contract if he will play the last year of that deal? Why don’t they structure contracts to include raises for each consecutive year?
August 16th, 2026 at 6:58 am
Here’s the part of this Vita Vea drama that bothers me the most:
STOP comparing Vita’s situation to every great Buccaneer who eventually left Tampa.
Tom Brady retired.
Ali Marpet retired.
Lavonte David got old.
Mike Evans left in free agency.
Warren Sapp moved on.
John Lynch moved on.
Gerald McCoy moved on.
Dean, Davis and SMB eventually played elsewhere.
But how many of those guys REFUSED TO PRACTICE because their contract wasn’t fat enough?
Vita is scheduled to make roughly $18 MILLION this season. He’s 31 years old. He’s under contract. Yet because other defensive tackles are getting $25–30 million, suddenly $18 million isn’t enough to put on the helmet and practice with your teammates?
Come on.
Warren Sapp didn’t need a fake hamstring to remind Tampa he was Warren freaking Sapp. John Lynch didn’t need a hold-in to prove he was a leader. Lavonte David spent his career letting his PLAY do the negotiating. Mike Evans stacked 1,000-yard seasons instead of stacking excuses. Ali Marpet walked away from millions rather than make the locker room about himself.
Those are Buccaneer legends.
You want to be paid like an elite player? Then ACT like one. Elite money comes with elite responsibility, not sitting on the sideline while your teammates sweat through August because somebody else got a bigger contract.
Vita requested the trade. Fine.
Bills want him? Bears want him? 49ers want him? Start the bidding.
Jason Licht should turn this circus into draft capital and let somebody else pay a 31-year-old defensive tackle $25–30 million per year.
I’ll always appreciate what Vita did in that Super Bowl run. Nobody can erase that. You want out?? Then get us a premium pick, pack the bags, and go find somebody willing to make you the highest-paid unhappy man in football.
🔥 LFG!
August 16th, 2026 at 7:07 am
Bucs should take a page from John Lynch and give him the Ayuk treatment.If he doesn’t play then he doesn’t play anywhere.Plyers need to honor their contract
August 16th, 2026 at 7:07 am
Bye Karen
August 16th, 2026 at 7:16 am
Reliable Jeremy Fowler reported Friday on ESPN TV that Vea has “beef” with the Bucs.
Well, when you are unable to make payments on your weekly Kielbasa Deliveries…. one does tend to get upset!!!
Trade with the 49ers and get Alfred Collins and a draft pick.. end of story!
August 16th, 2026 at 7:27 am
These agents are unethical too. Vita is a garbage person. Real men honor their contracts.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:28 am
BucBonzi, if he’s been listening to Suh all these years, I’m sure he’s also gotten good investment advice. Vea is already set for life financially. He does have a choice about suiting up game one. He really only needs to play in seven to satisfy his contract. Without a new deal he won’t be playing week one, two, or three. He’ll lose money, but at this stage of his career it doesn’t matter. He has more then enough to retire should he choose. The big man is dug in. Licht’s best play at this point is to trade him. His salary could help out for other needs.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:32 am
No wonder we are rebuilding every 2 years. Ownership and Licht doesn’t take care of their own.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:32 am
Trade him to the Raiders, Browns, Jets or other losing organization. After all, he’s shown his true colors — money over team or winning
August 16th, 2026 at 7:35 am
You don’t walk away from 18 ml to make 7. If that’s how Sue is advising him then he needs to walk away fast. And he’s going to end making zero instead 18 so Licht he’s under contract .
August 16th, 2026 at 7:36 am
@Billlbuc
You have the equation backwards. The question isn’t, “Why won’t the Bucs take care of Vita?” It’s:
How many times are the Bucs supposed to take care of a player before they’re allowed to take care of the Buccaneers? Riddle me that Sir..
August 16th, 2026 at 7:39 am
@Billlbuc
A few minutes ago, Billlbuc was blaming ownership and Licht for supposedly not “taking care of their own.” Now he’s saying Vita would be crazy to walk away from $18 million and that Licht has him under contract.
Exactly! That’s the point. 🤣🤣
If Vita is under contract for roughly $18 million, then how is this evidence that Tampa doesn’t take care of its own? You can’t argue the Bucs are mistreating the man and then immediately point out that he’s walking away from $18 MILLION.
🔥 LFG!!
August 16th, 2026 at 7:39 am
If the Bucs do not trade, or renew his contract, what type of effort can they expect from Vea on game day? And he could always just fake an injury and still get paid.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:40 am
Dude trying to point gun to head to team with ZERO leverage.
It’s time to start the fines.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:40 am
I tend to favor Pro-Football Reference numbers.
They are more conservative on what they view as pressures and it aligns with my eyeballs:
Pressures per them are all — hurries + knockdowns + sacks.
Last two years they have:
Jeffrey Simmons with 47 pressures and 143 tackles in 31 games. 29 Yrs.
Quinnen Williams with 53 pressures & 90 tackles in 31 games. 28 Yrs.
Vita Vea with 33 pressures and 76 tackles in 33 games. 31 Yrs.
Jalen Carter with 40 pressures and 75 tackles in 27 games. 25 Yrs.
Dexter Lawrence with 30 pressures & 75 tackles in 29 games. 28 Yrs.
So older and less productive than the other guys on the list.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:40 am
The guy hasn’t practiced and now doesn’t have enough time to get into football shape. Even if he changed course today odds are he’ll be injured before the bye. And that regardless of who he plays for. Stupid.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:46 am
Yeah, trading him would be stupid. He doesn’t play at all—you own his contract and can force him to retire. You don’t have to deal with him on someone else’s team. To me, that’s worth a second-round pick. And if he shows up, plays, and walks, you should at least get a third-round compensatory pick. So why would you let him control the situation at all?
Show up, do your job, and we’ll let you walk next year if that’s what you want. Get a third. But getting just a second isn’t worth it at all. Send him home—literally make him sit at home until he decides he wants to play or retire.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:52 am
With multiple teams wanting VV the Bucs should get a 2nd round pick. Maybe Jason can make it a conditional 1st if VV makes the pro-bowl. That’s a deal I can live with.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:53 am
Hello VV and every NFL player complaining about the back end worth of their CONTRACTS.
They somehow forget that when they signed they were the highest paid players and getting paid higher than veterans who were equally as good or better.
He wants out , he plays a position where ability to compete drops off a cliff with age.
I love what he has accomplished and meant to the franchise.
If the Bucs have a offer for a 2nd round pick
Do the right thing and jump on the offer!
August 16th, 2026 at 8:04 am
@ Buckit – Yeah, right! Then, WHO’s giving him his NEXT big ‘extension’ after he does THAT!? Or, he’ll just be like REDDICK and get a below market 1-year deal, for LESS than he’s making NOW. Plus, the Bucs will appeal it, & on and on they go. He’s not doing JACK, without the BUCS FULL cooperation. And, that’s a FACT.
And, the Bucs already have offered to “PAY MAYFIELD.” More than what he’s worth, and more than HE could get if he were even on the open market right now. The Quarterback play (especially with the right coach and system) is getting MUCH BETTER, and the college QB’s coming-out every year now, are EVEN MORE and MORE PREPARED (due to NIL and staying in school longer, and gaining more ‘high-leverage’ valuable experience, playing in more games with more starts, AND now they’re already used to HAVING $$$, which is huge). And, NOW the NFL is MUCH MORE inclined to adapt to THEM… You’re going to start seeing MORE and MORE ‘elite-level’ college coaches taking NFL JOBS now, as well. The game is changing right before your eyes… These QB’s are walking into the NFL and ARE READY. And, there are going to be about 20 MORE real good ones, coming into the league FRESH, within just the next 2-YEARS. Franchises KNOW THIS. The BUCS KNOW THIS. Baker is going to realize REAL QUICK, that the Bucs were HIS best shot. It’s OVER. The Bucs will be moving on after the season. You can BOOK-it. $50-$60-MIL LONGTERM for BAKER per season will NOT make SENSE, when compared to $50 and a case of Schlitz for a TRUE “Quarterback COMPETITION” and BUILDING A ROSTER with a brand new HC and GM. Versus a banged up and beaten up, unfocused, undersized, inconsistent, aging 32-35 YEAR OLD, Expensive-QB, who is nothing but a HUGE distraction and doesn’t elevate teammates. Yah, ohhhkaaayyy.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:05 am
Vea requested a trade to LA, Vegas, or Seattle. Based on the new list, send him to Buffalo and be done with the whiney baby.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:14 am
Joe, you forgot to mdntion Baker continues to practice.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:16 am
When I saw that diagram under the article, I was thinking why don’t you post their ages next to that as well. Then Geno712 reposted the stats with ages and I was thinking, yep, he’s 2 years older than the next oldest player on the list. Extend him too much and too far, there will be a regrets if his play declines.
A lot of posts about him playing the season wanting to get paid but what prevents him from faking back pain week to week and keep getting paid? It’s very hard for a medical team to prove he doesn’t have back pain especially if he’s had back pain in the past and knows exactly how to fake it. My guess, he’s had plenty of back pain over the years at this point doing what he does and being that big (and old… positional age).
August 16th, 2026 at 8:24 am
Sounds like he is willing to hold out and take the fine of 1 million a game.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:26 am
If the Bucs want to WIN THIS YEAR, they will NOT trade Vea.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:29 am
I went to a local Palm Reader and asked if she could help me to determine Vea’s future.
She went into a deep trance for a few minutes…
When she came to – she stared directly into my eyes and said.
“All I can see and hear is a giant toilet flushing”.
I don’t know exactly how to interpret that info… Maybe some of you more intellectuals can help me with that?
August 16th, 2026 at 8:31 am
@ Alan
“If the Bucs want to WIN THIS YEAR, they will NOT trade Vea.”
I agree.
With Vea we will win @ 7 games.
Without Vea we will probably only win @ 6 games.
It’s definitely worth keeping Vea IMO…
August 16th, 2026 at 8:35 am
The Bucs need to deactivate VV and send him home. Having him on the sidelines is a cancerous/toxic reminder of team disharmony.
He must have frittered away his early contract extension money he happily took a few years ago.
The Bucs look weak and impotent in this situation. Bright Licht treats players as “friends” and at times acts like their fanboy. This doesn’t end well…but hopefully it ends soon.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:41 am
Let him go….
BTW ME13 is not sprinting anywhere, guy already has his annual soft tissue injury.
Guys over 30 in the NFL are in worse shape than my knees.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:54 am
If you can’t get fair value let him rot on the sidelines
August 16th, 2026 at 8:59 am
I feel these contracts aren’t getting done for two reasons. 1) cap space, yes you can always creat more and push money down the line which leads to reason two. 2) The Glazers want to see how this season plays out. Everyone knows Bowles is on the hot seat but who says Lichts not? If this season goes south you can expect a lot of change to happen next offseason. So why would the Glazers put 70-80 mil a year towards two players who ultimately might not be here next year?
August 16th, 2026 at 9:01 am
@Winnym
Agree 100%.
JL likes to be everybody’s buddy. It was easy when he had plenty of cap room to squander. Now that he spent it all, he has to play hardball at the most inopportune time. ’27 will be a nightmare for Licht. 30 some FA and not enough money to extend or resign some good ones. Outsmarted himself again. Baker and Vea will probably both be gone. Mauch and Diaby possible cap casualties too. “ROH” GM not looking too shiny anymore.
August 16th, 2026 at 9:01 am
Not really an apples to apples comparison chart. Only one of the players is primarily a nose tackle – Dexter Lawrence who is three years younger. I’m sure if Vea was only 28, he would have received a better extension than Lawrence got.
More data to mull over … Jeffery Simmons and Vita Vea were double teamed roughly 65% of the time. Dexter Lawrence faced a double team the most – about 70% of the time. Williams and Carter only faced a double team about 40% of the time.
Make of it what you will.
August 16th, 2026 at 9:02 am
Its more than money people. Remember florida has no state jncome tax. Cali may not either but im pretty sure the other tenders do. So making that extra money isn’t really making money. Usually people come to our state to retire. Something else is going on. I think the front office has realized that our leadership from the SB era needs returned. His voice is no longer heard or its causing friction with the newer guys. Just a perspective. The whole locker room from last year fell apart. Beyond CG, he’s just a different breed, all the goto guys for leadership completely failed last year. I get I t. You go from having these SB contending teams to complete collapse. We may surprise some people this year but all those old vets see the team is jn a rebuild. We will still compete but our best case scenario this year is 11 wins. Be happy to finish above 500 tbh. Our DBs are gonna get smoked. It’ll be a shootout for most games. Love to be proven wrong here but these are the facts. Front office knows the SB team honestly was dragging us down. Joe’s time to write something real. I know yall are trying g to sell tickets but let’s get honest for one article here
August 16th, 2026 at 9:02 am
I agree. If you want to get paid play out your contract and then…. The problem is he’s becoming a distraction. I don’t want to lose the big man but no one is indispensable.
August 16th, 2026 at 9:03 am
JL is doing the right thing on both situations vea and baker, you can’t cash strap the team for years to come when there are young players available for much less. forget those divas
August 16th, 2026 at 9:07 am
He’s undervalued/under paid the final year of his contract….I could argue that his $73 million dollar contract EXTENSION with $42 million guaranteed 4 years ago made him very overvalued/over paid those first couple of years. Moving on…
August 16th, 2026 at 9:13 am
Frankly, I could go either way on this one. Pay him, don’t pay him, extend him or not, I’m not entirely sure at this point in his career and with the current beefed up line, he will make much of a difference – at least not one that will be a measurable difference in wins and losses.
So I guess I’d just let him play the year out – even if that means it’s only six games. Let him lose $11 million in pay. Renegotiate at the end of the season and he either stays or goes. We’ll likely get a compensatory third round pick if he leaves as a free agent, which is probably all you would get by trading him now.
The only reason to extend him and make him happy now is fan perception due to Mike Evans’ departure.
August 16th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Well. If he feels that way you can go ahead and not cash 18m in checks this year and best of luck k to you making that up next year at 32 with another team. What a dumba$$.
August 16th, 2026 at 9:27 am
Part-timer.
August 16th, 2026 at 9:46 am
Haul butt out of here, Vea.
August 16th, 2026 at 9:50 am
Send him home until he decides to play or gets traded
August 16th, 2026 at 9:57 am
Everyone should remember we still went 2-7 down the stretch with Vita… Thanks for your service, time to move on
August 16th, 2026 at 10:02 am
(Fake or not), If he plays the back injury thing out into the season, it is not helping his cause from any angle.
August 16th, 2026 at 10:16 am
Gee I wonder why they don’t put each guy’s age up on those graphics…
August 16th, 2026 at 10:35 am
“Two Live” Suh may have committed malpractice by advising him to hold in. Suh…known as an ornery cuss on the field and a shrewd businessman/finance bro in his post playing career…is and was a Hall of Fame talent. VV…while good…doesn’t command the same amount of respect as Suh did. Suh almost projecting his will onto the VV situation here.
August 16th, 2026 at 10:44 am
He’s just another veteran that wants out of the Bowles regime.
The true con job is Todd being allowed to be the HC\DC.
It’s a Bucs life.
August 16th, 2026 at 10:49 am
I figured it out….Mari e is the old buc realist….same mo
August 16th, 2026 at 11:17 am
For me? It’s a win win.
If we pay him and keep him? Great.
But I wouldn’t trade him for a 2nd. Only à 1st.
À 1st and a CB or a 1st and a 5th round pick.
The Glazers are gangsters man. They don’t let players hold out. They aren’t scared of players.
They will not reward him with a contract now. They are like Gods on earth. They aren’t going to let a player tell them what to do.
Vea is going to be traded. I want two 1st round picks next year.
Imagine 2 NTs? To replace Vea and Nacho?
Imagine 2 CBs? To create true depth at CB for the next 4 years.
August 16th, 2026 at 11:18 am
There is a larger problem at work – no one of quality really wants to play for the Bucs, after last season’s debacle. Evans wanted out, Vea wants out, and it is looking like Baker wants out.
August 16th, 2026 at 11:24 am
Joe’s – time for a poll? Maybe?
August 16th, 2026 at 11:41 am
FrontFour Says:
August 16th, 2026 at 7:40 am
The guy hasn’t practiced and now doesn’t have enough time to get into football shape. Even if he changed course today odds are he’ll be injured before the bye. And that regardless of who he plays for. Stupid.
———————————————————————— Exactly, that is what usually happens with hold outs/ins.When that player who finally gets what they want contract wise, they are not available full time due nagging injuries and the team/team get the short end of it that year!
August 16th, 2026 at 11:43 am
The Bucs obviously don’t want Baker or Vea and I don’t blame em.
Hopefully they feel the same way about Bowles and Licht.
August 16th, 2026 at 11:47 am
He won’t sit out. Plain and simple. I really don’t care if we keep or trade him at this point but he’s not throwing his career away for a few mil when he can make 18 just playing this year and get a nice contract next year.
August 16th, 2026 at 11:55 am
Not sure why a team would be eager to extend a contract to a player who says he’s injured and can’t practice. Seems risky. Vea has been an important cog in the D for his career, but if he demands a trade then Licht should shop him around for a player + draft pick. The team needs to clear out some aging veterans with big salaries. Getting a good young CB and day 2 draft pick would be ideal.
August 16th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
That big guy is sure to get injured having skipped practice for extended period.
Absolutely no way the closer he gets to the season without practicing that he won’t be out a few games with an injury. Loved Vea but I guess it’s better he sit on someone else’s bench.
August 16th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
@Bubby
“Just trade him already! He already plays 50% of the time, not sure that improves with zero practice”
I’m fine trading him but you sound more like his agents PR fall guy so he can point out vita led the dline in snaps played last year, signed his contract when he was only playing 56% and has increased every year to over 73% last year. If he was given 18 million for 50% you sure made a great case for an increase…
August 16th, 2026 at 12:13 pm
I would say trade him for a lock down corner but we’d just have him playing off coverage and allow the wr to hit the gap with a pass thrown from a third string qb
August 16th, 2026 at 12:14 pm
I wonder how the other players see this?
They say, “It’s business,” but what do they actually think …
They see a guy just standing around doing nothing all day while they practice in the hot weather. They are building bonds, working together, and creating a team. VV isn’t part of it.
VV is the 2nd highest paid player on defense and the 5th highest paid player on the team. He’s whining. He’s not honoring his contract.
If I’m a player, I see a selfish, outsider, that isn’t about winning. I’m not impressed by this.
August 16th, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Wah! I’m only making SEVENTEEN MILLION DOLLARS this year! Trade me or I’ll ride the bench claiming a phantom injury! GTFOH!
August 16th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Have the head trainer confirm he is cleared to practice and start the fines immediately if he refuses. Strat the game fines in week 1. Don’t trade him. Let his fat ass sit. Honor your contract you part time pos.
August 16th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
I don’t think it matters if we have Vita or not. The CB situation is dire. I mean if one or two of those guys get hurt were starting people that should be bagging groceries at Publix. You would think with Licht and Bowles jobs on the line this year they would have put themselves in a better position.
August 16th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
DET fared just fine against the Bucs last season with a bunch of grocery baggers roaming their defensive backfield.
August 16th, 2026 at 1:51 pm
He shouldn’t be allowed to attend practice unless he’s willing to participate!
August 16th, 2026 at 2:04 pm
Melvin: A few seasons ago, Devin White also demanded a trade. The Bucs said they would not trade him, and are saying the same regarding Vita. The difference is that no one was calling the Bucs about trading for White, but several teams are interested in Vea. Don’t need another malcontented “Captain” on the Defense. There are no guarantees he will have a good season because he is pissed or wants to look good to further his future contract opportunities. Or that he will not suffer a legitimate serious injury. I would not mind seeing the Bucs trading him for a late first or early second rounder. There is teammate and considerable fan support for paying him as well, which was not there for White. And his agent continues to leak info to national reporters that a trade is inevitablr to turn the heat up on the Bucs front office. So, I suppose a contract extension is still a possibility. It will be interesting to see who blinks first.
August 16th, 2026 at 2:08 pm
Pecker- I forgot what a mess the Detroit secondary was . That situation was the exactly when things stopped making sense to me last season .
August 16th, 2026 at 2:11 pm
The visual chart is missing one important stat. The age of the players. Vita is the oldest player. If he was in his 20s like the rest of them he would have already gotten the extension. I’m not saying that the Bucs are doing the right thing by waiting but it is an important factor. After getting burned on the Shaw Barrett and Jensen extensions to older players I can understand why the Glazers are reluctant to do it. We don’t know what the team has already offered him. It could be a 5-7 million bonus this year to get him on the field or a two year 100 million extension guaranteeing 75% if it. Those ars two likely seniorios that his camp turned down wanting 4+ years in that range. He’s not getting that from the Bucs.
August 16th, 2026 at 2:12 pm
Timboslice, California has a state income tax. California taxes everything that moves.
August 16th, 2026 at 2:18 pm
Here’s the difference. Suh played in 80-90% of the defensive snaps played on his respective team, NEVER missed a game due to injury, and dominated just about every play. Suh was worth every penny vs Vea’s 60 cents on the dollar
August 16th, 2026 at 2:20 pm
💯. And btw, he did four yrs ago
August 16th, 2026 at 2:36 pm
Let him sit the season and pay the fines and see how he does as an old fart after sitting for a year
August 16th, 2026 at 2:46 pm
He signed the contract. He should honor that contract.
7 years, 36 sacks. Now crying over a contract HE agreed to at 31.
Trade the Diva.
August 16th, 2026 at 2:46 pm
Time to move on. I don’t understand how these athletes can be allowed to do this. When you’re under contract for the season you are contracted to play. Period. When we still had a year left on our contract at work, we didn’t refuse to work when there was still a year left. We were under contract, we worked. Not that difficult.
August 16th, 2026 at 2:53 pm
Agree with BoriMex.
At what point in pro sports did 18 million dollars for eight month’s work become meaningless?
I know it’d mean a helluva lot to most fans!
Baker just thumbed his nose at 100 million for two years. For what? Throwing an oblong ball better than most but far from the best of the best? Called 50 mil a year insulting.
We live in an insane society.
August 16th, 2026 at 2:54 pm
This V.V last chance to get any deal done other than 1 year prove it deals after this year, he really has nothing to lose to do this. This is what he has been told AND makes sense. Bucs gave Shaq 4/72 at age 28 – 36 cash I think he played only one year of that contract. It also makes sense Bucs not to give V.V more that one year extention. Bucs will end up give him 2 year extention last year being the cap friendly extention. I dont think Bucs will trade him unless they get a corner or solid draft pick.
August 16th, 2026 at 3:34 pm
If Chicago is asking for him then see about somebody like Jaylon Johnson or Tyrique Stevenson & either Gervon Dexter or Montez Sweat. I wouldn’t want him to go to Chicago or SF or any of those NFC playoff teams but why keep him around if it’s just gonna draw negative attention & drag the team down.
August 16th, 2026 at 3:39 pm
I’m actually kind of surprised because I thought they might have been right with giving Baker a two year deal at first because you’d still have to sign Vita. I really thought signing both of them to like two year deals was probably about right because you would’ve resigned both of them & you wouldn’t have got stuck in a long term deal with Baker. Especially if Baker has some of those moments at times.
August 16th, 2026 at 4:09 pm
So if he doesn’t play real time games not preseason games, does he get docked money?
August 16th, 2026 at 4:16 pm
Trade him for 2 or 3rd and 5th if possible
August 16th, 2026 at 4:18 pm
A contender would love to have the run stuffing beast What teams have extra picks next year
August 16th, 2026 at 4:26 pm
Evans, David and potentially Vea all in one offseason?!?! Sports can sure provide a swift kick!
August 16th, 2026 at 4:31 pm
Yeah is Vea’s fault for wanting to play for an actual coach. Not this garbage we have
August 16th, 2026 at 4:38 pm
I think I would consider trading him for a starting caliber corner.
August 16th, 2026 at 4:58 pm
$18M in opportunity cost if he does not play plus $50k a game in fines. At 31, I don’t see how he even breaks even if traded this year. Maybe another team will give him a long term contract with guaranteed money, but I kind of doubt he gets more than a three year $22M deal elsewhere. Also, If the Bucs trade him to a Cali team, I believe he will be paying a 14 % state tax. So a $22M deal puts him at $19M in Cali.
That would be as dumb as Evans was leaving the Bucs for SF.
I wonder if the player’s agent is the only one making money in these types of deals?
August 16th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
My understanding is he don’t play he don’t get paid. 18mil saved
August 16th, 2026 at 5:46 pm
The ONLY teams that would be willing to take him and his salary demands are teams with a tight window to win the Super Bowl. Bills, 49ers, Rams, Ravens, Maybe the Chargers are what comes to mind. He doesn’t do any good for young teams rebuilding and right now that’s most of the NFL.
August 16th, 2026 at 6:03 pm
Can we trade him for a coach?
August 16th, 2026 at 6:05 pm
A bunch if crybabies in here worrying about the money of billioners. Extend him or trade him Glazers freaking losers.
August 16th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
Rocky, nobody gives a crap about billionaires! The Bucs are $8.5 million under the salary cap (yes there is a cap) Can’t write a check your A$$ can’t cash! If you’d like to complain about how their cap is handled go right ahead. Several players I’d agree are over-paid.
August 16th, 2026 at 6:21 pm
Thats not the players bussines on how they manage their salary cap. He wants to get paid they should figure it out. Do you worry how does your employer manages his budget? And this starts with letting Coen go. If we had a different coach we would still have Evans and Vea not complaining. Vea doesnt want to play for mediocre and not get paid. Thats why Baker doesnt want to extend. He knows we are playing for draft picks this year.
August 16th, 2026 at 6:32 pm
@Teacherman. Have you been licking frogs again?
August 16th, 2026 at 6:44 pm
Why is a .500 team in cap hell? What the heck is Jason Licht and Co. doing? It’s not like we are SB contenders and he’s up against the cap. What are we doing here?
August 16th, 2026 at 6:55 pm
80’s, repaying Brady & friends for the Super Bowl they won. This is what happens when you play around with the cap (or kick the can down the road) Yes of course we can sign Vea! The next time the Bucs are in the Super Bowl he’ll be long gone and the ownership knows this. The Glazers will spend the money, but only when this team is in that window (see Bills, Lions, 49ers, etc.) If you don’t like Bowles and don’t think he’s the answer, you can’t be a fan of signing Vea either. That would mean we are a long way off! The next head coach will scrap everything and start over including Mayfield.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:45 pm
At least Baker is gonna play and give it whatever he has this year ,, it may or may not be good enough , but he’s gonna give what’s in the tank and hope for the best in the future . Holding out and losing 1 million a game never works out good for anyone , Rememeber when L Bell held out and lost 14.5 million w the Steelers,,, he never made that money back
August 16th, 2026 at 7:49 pm
I just dont agree with any of this. You signed a contract you play to the end of your contract. If not I’m calling Verizon and holding out the last year of my contract and see how it goes for me
August 16th, 2026 at 7:49 pm
BYE
August 16th, 2026 at 7:50 pm
CAUTION: Door swings Fast on your way out.
August 16th, 2026 at 7:56 pm
I’ve never been a Vita fan with his dated rat tail that went out with the mullet in the 80s. Trade him Indianapolis or Cleveland. Really dont GAF.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:19 pm
The Bucs only have just over $8,000,000 in cap space…if we trade him we dump his cap hit of $22,000,000 (or $17,000,000… I’m not sure).
Freeing up that money gives us the cap money to re-sign Baker.
Who would you rather have? A NT that constantly misses time…or a QB who helped us win multiple division title and looks like a league MVP for the first 7 games last year?
I know were I would lean.
August 16th, 2026 at 8:49 pm
@jim – We’re not still paying off Brady or his friends. That is a factual lie. Joe’s? Are we in cap hell bc of Brady or Licht just liking his own players too much that he overpays them…Godwin was a massive overpay. Imagine being up against the cap and being a .500 team. Who are you overpaying and why?
August 16th, 2026 at 9:21 pm
Depending on what we get? I’m actually ok with this move! Love him, but what has he actually done since the Super Bowl? Time to get some value for him!
August 16th, 2026 at 11:43 pm
Sad.
Oh well buh bye.
August 16th, 2026 at 11:49 pm
“Suh was worth every penny vs Vea’s 60 cents on the dollar”
ChiBuc I lol’ed thanks for that.
August 17th, 2026 at 2:04 am
Everything will work out fine. Jason and Todd already won a Super Bowl for us, and then had to clear out the dead cap, the old guys, and have had a bus load of injuries, bad calls, freakish plays and bad luck. And corrupt referees. This team is ready.
Go Bucs.
August 17th, 2026 at 2:53 am
As ALWAYS… We lose again. And Again, And Again, And Again, and AGAIN!
August 17th, 2026 at 6:24 am
80’s I didn’t say we were still paying them. My reference is to what got us here in the first place. In 2024 the Bucs were number one in dead cap money with $81.5 million. That was only two years ago! Just Evans is costing the Bucs $19 million this year. That’s about 7% of the cap.