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Vita Vea Requests Trade From Buccaneers Amid Contract Dispute

ESPN NFL •
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Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea has requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after contract extension talks stalled, his agent Collin Roberts told ESPN on Monday. Vea, 31, is entering the final year of a four-year, $71 million contract with $17 million in non-guaranteed salary this season and a per-game roster bonus capped at $1 million total. He held in at mandatory minicamp last month; coach Todd Bowles called it "part of the business."

Quarterback Baker Mayfield, also in the final year of a three-year, $100 million deal, is seeking an extension but participated fully at minicamp. He said talks weren't "anywhere close" and would not negotiate once training camp begins. Veterans report Tuesday.

Last season, Vea played all 17 games, recording 4.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits and 34 tackles. He has 35 sacks in eight seasons since being the 12th pick in the 2018 NFL draft and earned Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2024. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler contributed.