Why Vita Vea Wasn't Practicing at Mandatory Minicamp

Vita Vea did not participate in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' mandatory minicamp, skipping the three-day session and avoiding a $107,911 fine. NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo described the absence as contract-related, noting that Vea is in the final year of a four-year, $71 million extension signed in 2022. The 6'4", 347-pound defensive tackle is entering his ninth NFL season and is seeking either a sizable extension or a substantial raise beyond the $17 million he is slated to earn in 2026, a figure that ranks 19th in average annual value among NFL defensive tackles. Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles confirmed Vea is healthy and not missing practice due to injury.