Key Takeaways:
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers may look into restructuring nose tackle Vita Vea’s contract for the third consecutive year.
– Vita Vea has been cooperative in recent years, opening up $16.7 million in salary cap space for the Buccaneers by adjusting his contract.
– The player stands to make $51 million over the next three seasons, elevating his career total earnings to over $90 million.
– Weight loss and training with former teammate Ndamukong Suh might see Vea return in a more dominant form in 2024.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are weighing the potential of renegotiating nose tackle Vita Vea’s four-year, $71 million contract before the start of the 2024 season. Over the last couple of seasons, the team has twice adjusted Vea’s contract, creating a substantial $16.7 million salary cap space in the process.
Buccaneers Eye Vita Vea for Potential Contract Restructure
The team is yet again in a tight spot concerning their cap space, with only $8.6 million to spare, and Vea is being considered a prime candidate for contract revision. Digital Chew cited Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggesting that another contract restructuring could be a viable option.
“They could more than double their cap space by restructuring Vea for the third consecutive season, providing him with added job security and the Buccaneers more financial leeway as they battle for ascendancy in the NFC South,” Ballentine stated.
Vita Vea’s Financial Track Record and Expected Earnings
Vea’s commitment to financial cooperation with the team has paid dividends for the Buccaneers in the form of converted salary into roster bonuses. In 2022, this chunk stood at $9.5 million, rising to $11.4 million in 2023.
The burgeoning part of Vea’s career is looming, with the opportunity to earn a whopping $51 million over the next three seasons. This potential earning will take his career total beyond the $90 million mark, following his six-season haul of $42.9 million.
The soon-to-be 29-year-old also has a shot at securing another lucrative contract extension if he continues demonstrating a solid investment in his career.
Vita Vea’s Health Concerns and Improved Fitness
Vea, who made his lone Pro Bowl in 2021, has had recurrent health issues linked to his weight. Since joining in 2018, he’s listed at 6-foot-4 and 347 pounds but reportedly edged closer to 400 pounds in recent years, resulting in speculations about his fitness.
The skilled player who’s missed 20 regular-season games and played an entire regular season only once in 2019, seems to have taken control over his health. Following a rigorous offseason with significant weight loss and training with ex-teammate Ndamukong Suh, Vea is expected to return stronger in 2024.
Sources say Vea has managed to reach his claimed weight of 347, shedding off nearly 20 pounds. “Vea could become better than ever in 2024. At 29, the veteran is entering the peak period of his career with a fresh and fit look,” said The Athletic’s Dan Pompei.
The outcome of the potential contract restructuring and Vita’s form for the upcoming season remain a major highlight for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In achieving both a competitive cap space and harnessing Vea’s improving fitness, the team could elevate their performance in the NFC South. We eagerly await more developments regarding Vita Vea’s future with the Buccaneers.