Vita Vea, star DT for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, requests trade

Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 1 opponent, is requesting a trade as training camp opens.

Adam Schefter of ESPN and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo confirmed the news with Vea’s agent, Collin Roberts, as he tries to negotiate a contract extension. Buccaneers veterans are set to report to camp July 28.

Tampa Bay comes to Paycor Stadium to open the 2026 season against the Bengals on Sept. 13.

Tampa’s 2018 first-round pick is entering his ninth season with the franchise and the final year of his current deal. According to Schefter, Vea, 31, is entering the final year of a four-year, $71 million contract. He is set to earn $17 million this season, but none of it is guaranteed. He also is set to earn a per-game roster bonus that is capped at $1 million.

Last season, Vea appeared in all 17 games, finishing with 4.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 34 tackles.

Vea sat out mandatory minicamp in June as a “hold-in,” attending the practices but not participating.

Garafalo said on NFL Network that Vea could be looking at the three-year, $105 million deal ($35 million a year) signed this summer by Tennessee defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.

He has 35 sacks in eight seasons since the Buccaneers selected him with the 12th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2024.

Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is entering the final season of a three-year, $100 million contract, also is seeking an extension, but he participated fully at minicamp. Schefter reported that Mayfield would not engage in contract negotiations once training camp begins.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Vita Vea, star DT for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, requests trade