Vita Vea has formally requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following unsuccessful contract negotiations, his agent confirmed. The two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle is entering the final year of a four-year, $71 million extension but has yet to secure a new agreement with the team. For the 2026 season, Vea is scheduled to earn a $17 million base salary, although none of it is guaranteed. Additionally, he is eligible to earn up to $1 million in per-game roster bonuses.

At 31 years old, Vea remains a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ defense. Last season, he started all 17 games and recorded 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits. His role anchoring the interior defensive line has played a significant part in Tampa Bay’s consistent ranking among the NFL's top run defenses.

The request to be traded signals a potential shift in the Buccaneers’ defensive lineup heading into the upcoming season, as they must balance salary commitments with maintaining their defensive strength. Vea’s agent did not specify preferred trade destinations or comment on the outlook for further negotiations. The Buccaneers have yet to publicly respond to the trade request.