Vita Vea has agreed to a one-year extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, tying him to the team through 2027 with $30 million in new money.
The defensive tackle had requested a trade heading into training camp, but made it clear at a Thursday press conference that his intent was never to move to another club.
Vea's heart remains in Tampa, he said. "Home is where the heart is," he stated. The 6'4" defensive tackle has been a key player for the Buccaneers since being drafted in 2017.
Vea has not practiced this summer due to a back injury, which he sustained during a conditioning test. The team's head coach, Todd Bowles, said Vea will not play in the preseason finale. However, the new contract should clear the way for him to get ready for Week 1.
The Buccaneers are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season, where they finished with a 8-9 record. Vea's extension is a significant move for the team, which is hoping to return to the playoffs.
Vea's comments at the press conference suggest that the extension was a priority for him. "I always wanted to be a Buc," he said. "I wanted to be a Buc for life."
The extension will likely be seen as a positive move for the team, which has been looking to re-sign key players. The Buccaneers have been working to rebuild their roster after a series of departures in the offseason.
The new contract should provide some stability for the Buccaneers, who have been dealing with uncertainty around Vea's future. The team will now be able to focus on the upcoming season without the distraction of a potential trade.
Vea is expected to return to practice soon, with the regular season opener just around the corner. The Buccaneers will be looking to get their star defensive tackle back on the field as soon as possible.
Source: Yahoo Sports