Report: Vita Vea’s non-participation in minicamp is “contract-related”

Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea is attending the team’s mandatory minicamp, avoiding a $107,911 fine for missing all three days. He is not, however, participating.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that Vea’s absence from drills is “contract-related.”

Vea, 31, is entering the final year of a $71 million contract extension he signed in January 2022. He is scheduled to make $17 million in base salary in 2026.

Vea’s $17.75 million annual average ranks 19th among defensive tackles.

Todd Bowles was asked about Vea’s absence from drills, and the Bucs coach said Vea is healthy.

“We don’t need to see him right now,” Bowles said, via joebucsfan.com.