The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea has been sitting out drills at mandatory minicamp after skipping most of the team's voluntary OTA sessions.
Vea's nonparticipation is related to his contract, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
The 31-year-old is entering the final year of four-year, $71-million extension he signed in January 2022. He's set to earn $17 million next season, none of which is guaranteed money, according to Over the Cap. His annual average salary of $17.75 million ranks 19th among interior defensive linemen.
On Wednesday, head coach Todd Bowles downplayed the veteran defender choosing not to take part in on-field activities.
"It's not concerning. We've been through it before," Bowles said, per Pewter Report. "It's part of the business."
Vea has been a staple of the Buccaneers' defense since being selected in the first round of the 2018 draft. He can occupy multiple blockers and displays uncanny agility pursuing the ball for a defensive tackle. The Washington product has recorded 48 tackles for loss and 35 sacks over eight seasons.
Vea isn't the only Tampa Bay star seeking a new deal this offseason. Baker Mayfield, who's hinted that he'd like to finalize an extension before training camp, said recently that the two sides aren't close to reaching an agreement.
