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Vita Vea's decision to "hold-in" during minicamp practices has created quite a stir.
However, it has not created tension between the player and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to Booger McFarland of ESPN, there has yet to be any real concern stemming from Vea's attempt to secure a lucrative contract extension from the Bucs.
McFarland made an appearance on NFL Live and gave his take on the uncertainty surrounding Tampa's star defensive tackle.
"I'm not concerned. Again, we're in June. He's holding in. He's showing up. Living here in Tampa, I can tell you things have never gotten contentious between Vita Vea and the organization. Although, he does see a lot of people around him, Dexter Lawrence included, making a lot more money than he is. So, I think he just wants a bit of a pay bump, realizing he's probably got one more bite at the apple. So, I think this will get resolved."
McFarland added that he believes the Bucs should be far more concerned with their contract standoff with quarterback Baker Mayfield, whom he called "very disgruntled."
Bucs' head coach Todd Bowles seems to be taking Vea's hold-in in stride, and doesn't appeared to be concerned. When Bowles was about Vea, he shrugged off the situation, saying it's just part of the business.
"“It’s not concerning. We’ve been through it before. It’s part of the business.”
Bowles was less optimistic when asked if he was confident that Vea would show up for training camp if he hasn't received a new contract.
"“I cannot tell you that. I cannot speak for him.”
Vea has not practiced with the Bucs all offseason. Before his decision not to practice during minicamp, Vea stayed away from the team during OTAs, where player attendance is optional. Instead, Vea trained with his former teammate, Ndamukong Suh, in Portland, Oregon. He has trained with Suh for the past few years.
The 31-year-old Vea is not practicing in part because he does not want to risk any injury before he secures more guaranteed money. Vea has suffered offseason injuries multiple times in his career, most notably as a rookie in 2018, when he missed the first three regular-season games with a left calf strain.
There is still plenty of time for Vea and the Bucs to reach some kind of agreement. Whether it is a multi-year contract extension or Tampa adding money to Vea's 2026 salary, it is expected that the two sides will resolve this conflict.
Tampa dealt with a similar situation in 2024, when star tackle Tristan Wirfs was also a hold-in during minicamp. Wirfs only participated in individual drills at training camp until he was given a new deal.
Bowles is right when he says things like this are just part of the business. While I'm sure he would rather have his star DT on the field, Bowles understands players' desire to be rewarded for stellar play. Vea remains one of the best DTs in the NFL, and wants another contract before age finally catches up to him.
For now, there is no real tension between Vea and the Bucs. Hopefully, this situation gets resolved before any bad blood develops.
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However, it has not created tension between the player and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
According to Booger McFarland of ESPN, there has yet to be any real concern stemming from Vea's attempt to secure a lucrative contract extension from the Bucs.
McFarland made an appearance on NFL Live and gave his take on the uncertainty surrounding Tampa's star defensive tackle.
"I'm not concerned. Again, we're in June. He's holding in. He's showing up. Living here in Tampa, I can tell you things have never gotten contentious between Vita Vea and the organization. Although, he does see a lot of people around him, Dexter Lawrence included, making a lot more money than he is. So, I think he just wants a bit of a pay bump, realizing he's probably got one more bite at the apple. So, I think this will get resolved."
McFarland added that he believes the Bucs should be far more concerned with their contract standoff with quarterback Baker Mayfield, whom he called "very disgruntled."
Todd Bowles Is Not Concerned About Vea
Bucs' head coach Todd Bowles seems to be taking Vea's hold-in in stride, and doesn't appeared to be concerned. When Bowles was about Vea, he shrugged off the situation, saying it's just part of the business.
"“It’s not concerning. We’ve been through it before. It’s part of the business.”
Bowles was less optimistic when asked if he was confident that Vea would show up for training camp if he hasn't received a new contract.
"“I cannot tell you that. I cannot speak for him.”
Vea Hasn't Practiced With The Bucs All Offseason
Vea has not practiced with the Bucs all offseason. Before his decision not to practice during minicamp, Vea stayed away from the team during OTAs, where player attendance is optional. Instead, Vea trained with his former teammate, Ndamukong Suh, in Portland, Oregon. He has trained with Suh for the past few years.
The 31-year-old Vea is not practicing in part because he does not want to risk any injury before he secures more guaranteed money. Vea has suffered offseason injuries multiple times in his career, most notably as a rookie in 2018, when he missed the first three regular-season games with a left calf strain.
Final Thoughts
There is still plenty of time for Vea and the Bucs to reach some kind of agreement. Whether it is a multi-year contract extension or Tampa adding money to Vea's 2026 salary, it is expected that the two sides will resolve this conflict.
Tampa dealt with a similar situation in 2024, when star tackle Tristan Wirfs was also a hold-in during minicamp. Wirfs only participated in individual drills at training camp until he was given a new deal.
Bowles is right when he says things like this are just part of the business. While I'm sure he would rather have his star DT on the field, Bowles understands players' desire to be rewarded for stellar play. Vea remains one of the best DTs in the NFL, and wants another contract before age finally catches up to him.
For now, there is no real tension between Vea and the Bucs. Hopefully, this situation gets resolved before any bad blood develops.
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...
