Vita Vea’s lack of participation, attendance at Buccaneers practices raises questions

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TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 17: Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watches drills during mandatory minicamp the AdventHealth Training Center on June 17, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suddenly have another contract storyline brewing, and this one involves the heart of their defense.

Per Mike Garafolo, defensive tackle Vita Vea has been present for mandatory minicamp but has not participated in drills due to a contract-related situation as he enters the final year of his current deal. He also wasn’t around for OTAs.

From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: #Buccaneers DT Vita Vea wasn’t practicing at minicamp today and hasn’t been for OTAs in the spring. I’m told it’s related to the two-time Pro Bowler’s contract, as Vea is entering the final year of his deal from 4+ years ago. pic.twitter.com/KMd1MzQAid

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 17, 2026

The timing just feels a little, off.

Just months after the organization watched franchise icon Mike Evans walk away in free agency, the team is still navigating an ongoing contract situation with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Now, Vita Vea’s future has become another talking point as training camp approaches.

Vea has been one of the most important players on Tampa Bay’s roster since arriving as a first-round pick in 2018. His ability to dominate the interior and free up linebackers has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defensive success over the years.

Maybe all of these situations get resolved before the season kicks off. Jason Licht has earned plenty of trust from those inside and outside of the organization. But from the outside looking in, it’s hard not to notice a recent trend. For a team that once seemed to have no trouble keeping its stars in Tampa — or at least there has been a sense of optimism in re-signings, there suddenly appears to be a lot more uncertainty surrounding the future of some of the franchise’s biggest names.

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