Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea has officially reported for training camp, but his contract situation remains one of the biggest storylines surrounding the team.
According to Mike Kadlick of Sports Illustrated, Vea was present at Wednesday’s practice in street clothes, signaling he has begun a “hold-in” while awaiting a resolution to his trade request. Unlike a holdout, a hold-in allows a player to report to the team and avoid many of the financial penalties associated with missing camp while still refraining from participating in on-field activities.
The development comes just days after reports surfaced that Vea had requested a trade following unsuccessful contract extension negotiations with Tampa Bay. While the veteran defensive tackle has reported to the AdventHealth Training Center, his absence from practice highlights that the two sides have yet to resolve the situation.
Vea has been one of the Buccaneers’ defensive cornerstones since being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The two-time Pro Bowler is coming off another productive campaign, recording 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and two pass breakups while appearing in all 17 games. He also earned a 72.8 overall defensive grade and a 77.0 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus in 2025.
The timing of the hold-in is significant as Tampa Bay officially begins on-field work for the 2026 season. With the defensive line expected to feature Vita Vea alongside Calijah Kancey and A’Shawn Robinson, any extended absence could impact the unit’s preparation heading into preseason.
For now, Vea remains with the organization, but until the Buccaneers and the veteran defensive tackle find common ground on either a new contract or a potential trade, his status will remain one of the most closely watched stories of training camp.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Vita Vea reports to Buccaneers camp amid ongoing trade request
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
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By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
