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The price for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive tackle Vita Vea just went up.
Way up.
In fact, the price for all defensive tackles around the NFL is likely to go up after the Tennessee Titans just gave their own star DT, Jeffery Simmons, a three-year, $105.8 million contract extension. The deal includes $100 million in guaranteed money.
"Jeffery Simmons is a pillar for our franchise and embodies what it means to be a Titan. He's the premier defensive tackle in the National Football League and you win with players like Jeffery," Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said in his announcement of the deal. "Not only is his leadership on the field what we want our program to represent, but off the field, he sets the standard for our community.
Simmons' new contract completely resets the market for defensive tackles. His extension carries an average annual value of $35.3 million, blowing past Chris Jones and his $31.8 AAV with the Kansas City Chiefs.
That spells bad news for the Bucs, who are dealing with a contract "hold-in" from their own terrific defensive tackle.
Whatever dollar amount the Bucs were hoping would appease Vea, it just went up. Simmons' deal practically assured a significant raise for Vea, whose $17 million salary in 2026 is now a tad less than half of the highest-paid DT.
While Vea isn't the same level of player as Simmons, and is three years older (31 to 28), he is still one of the best DTs in the NFL. Vea is looking to secure possibly his final big-money contract extension as he enters his ninth season in Tampa.
Now that a DT is making $35 million per year, Vea will probably ask for at least $25 million in AAV. Will the Bucs be willing to dish out that kind of money for a player already on the wrong side of 30?
They may have to. Or risk losing the heart and soul of their defense.
Vea has been given more leverage over his contract situation. Now that Simmons is signed long-term, any other prominent DT who signs an extension in the near-future will also be seeking huge money. Putting off a new deal for Vea could risk having the price rise even more.
Simmons' extension couldn't have come at a better time for Vea. It will be interesting to see how Vea approaches the situation now that a new high-water mark has been set for DTs.
If Vea was hoping for $25 million per year, will he now ask for $30 million? How high will Tampa be willing to go? Keep in mind the Bucs are also in a contract standoff with quarterback Baker Mayfield, and have several key players from their 2023 draft class entering the last season of their rookie contracts.
If Vea plays hardball after Simmons' extension, there may not be enough money to go around. Would the Bucs really risk losing a player like YaYa Diaby or Cody Mauch to pay Vea top dollar?
Stay tuned. Things just got very interesting for Vea and the Bucs.
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Way up.
In fact, the price for all defensive tackles around the NFL is likely to go up after the Tennessee Titans just gave their own star DT, Jeffery Simmons, a three-year, $105.8 million contract extension. The deal includes $100 million in guaranteed money.
"Jeffery Simmons is a pillar for our franchise and embodies what it means to be a Titan. He's the premier defensive tackle in the National Football League and you win with players like Jeffery," Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi said in his announcement of the deal. "Not only is his leadership on the field what we want our program to represent, but off the field, he sets the standard for our community.
Simmons' new contract completely resets the market for defensive tackles. His extension carries an average annual value of $35.3 million, blowing past Chris Jones and his $31.8 AAV with the Kansas City Chiefs.
That spells bad news for the Bucs, who are dealing with a contract "hold-in" from their own terrific defensive tackle.
Simmons Just Assured A Raise For Vea
Whatever dollar amount the Bucs were hoping would appease Vea, it just went up. Simmons' deal practically assured a significant raise for Vea, whose $17 million salary in 2026 is now a tad less than half of the highest-paid DT.
While Vea isn't the same level of player as Simmons, and is three years older (31 to 28), he is still one of the best DTs in the NFL. Vea is looking to secure possibly his final big-money contract extension as he enters his ninth season in Tampa.
Now that a DT is making $35 million per year, Vea will probably ask for at least $25 million in AAV. Will the Bucs be willing to dish out that kind of money for a player already on the wrong side of 30?
They may have to. Or risk losing the heart and soul of their defense.
Vea has been given more leverage over his contract situation. Now that Simmons is signed long-term, any other prominent DT who signs an extension in the near-future will also be seeking huge money. Putting off a new deal for Vea could risk having the price rise even more.
Final Thoughts
Simmons' extension couldn't have come at a better time for Vea. It will be interesting to see how Vea approaches the situation now that a new high-water mark has been set for DTs.
If Vea was hoping for $25 million per year, will he now ask for $30 million? How high will Tampa be willing to go? Keep in mind the Bucs are also in a contract standoff with quarterback Baker Mayfield, and have several key players from their 2023 draft class entering the last season of their rookie contracts.
If Vea plays hardball after Simmons' extension, there may not be enough money to go around. Would the Bucs really risk losing a player like YaYa Diaby or Cody Mauch to pay Vea top dollar?
Stay tuned. Things just got very interesting for Vea and the Bucs.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
