All articles tagged with #tampa bay buccaneers
Profile of Baker Mayfield, a fearless competitor who turned early slights into a long NFL arc, rebuilding from Cleveland to Tampa Bay. Now in a pivotal season, his performance and health will determine a potential $50M-a-year extension, with his brash edge tempered by maturity as he navigates front-office dynamics and personal growth.
The Buccaneers finalized their 53-man roster but plan to assemble a 16-man practice squad (potentially 17 with international-exemption OT Paul Rubelt). Pewter Report will track all transactions as the team signs players to the practice squad, with current names including Rashad Wisdom, Javin Wright, Yasir Holmes, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Garrett Greene, Jayson Jones, Roman Parodie, Eric Rivers, Devin Culp, J.J. Roberts, Ben Scott, Josh Williams, Henry Lutovsky and Dean Patterson.
Jalon Daniels, an undrafted rookie, will start Tampa Bay's preseason finale vs. Jacksonville, aiming to secure the No. 2 quarterback job behind Baker Mayfield. He is slated to play the first half (possibly into the third) after rallying the team for come-from-behind wins and posting a strong two-week stat line, with Jake Browning and Connor Bazelak following.
In Day 19 of Jaguars training camp against the Buccaneers, Jacksonville’s defense controlled the session, forcing four takeaways (Eric Murray fumble forced by Payne Durham, recovered by Oluokun; Buster Brown interception; B.J. Green forced fumble; Antonio Johnson pick-six) while Josh Hines-Allen generated consistent pressure with multiple sacks. Trevor Lawrence’s offense flashed with a 50+ yard TD to Brian Thomas Jr. before Thomas left with a shoulder injury, and Brenton Strange and Parker Washington made key catches, though the unit faced more pressure on the right side. Coach Liam Coen called Thomas’s status “alright.”
Vita Vea signed a one-year extension that guarantees $24 million in 2027, keeping the star DT in Tampa and bolstering a now-deep, disruptive defensive line led by Bain, Kancey and Diaby; the deal fits the Buccaneers’ pattern of short-term commitments for aging stars and solidifies Week 1 readiness. Emeka Egbuka is recovering from turf toe and projected to be available for Week 1. Five preseason goals vs. the Chiefs include improved special teams, a stronger early run game, stout run defense, splash plays on defense, and staying healthy.
Ahead of Saturday’s Chiefs preseason game, the Buccaneers held a lighter practice as Vita Vea signed his extension and began a gradual ramp-up process (he did not participate in this session and won’t play in the preseason). Cornerback Zyon McCollum stood out with solid coverage during the reduced drills. Coach Todd Bowles said Vea will be eased toward Week 1, while McCollum and Morrison could see snaps after missing time.
The Buccaneers locked up defensive tackle Vita Vea with a fully guaranteed extension worth $30 million in new money through 2027, including $24 million for 2026 and $24 million for 2027, after a summer that saw trade talk but no departure. He’s dealing with a back tweak and has not practiced yet, but TB coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Licht praised his dominance and leadership as the team girds its front seven for the season.
Vita Vea and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a one-year, $30 million extension that is fully guaranteed ($48 million over the next two years), keeping the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle under contract through 2027 after he previously requested a trade. The deal solidifies Tampa Bay’s interior line, and the team’s GM Jason Licht praised Vea’s value to the defense as they pursue their next championship while navigating future roster decisions.
The Buccaneers extended Vita Vea through 2027, adding $30 million in new money after a tense period that included a trade request before camping; Licht praised Vea as a dominant, locker-room leader and a key cornerstone of Tampa Bay's winning culture.
The Buccaneers and DT Vita Vea agreed to a one-year, $30 million extension, creating a two-year, $48 million deal with $6 million of new money in 2026 and a 2026 salary of $24 million; the contract’s guarantees weren’t specified. Vea, a 2018 first-round pick, had asked for a trade but stayed with Tampa after the team sweetened the deal; he’s a two-time Pro Bowler (2021, 2024) and a Super Bowl LV champion.
After a season of injuries and a late playoff miss, Baker Mayfield is focusing on healing—physically with his trusted body coach and teammates, and emotionally by reconciling with his wife and kids after a family dispute—while returning for a Buccaneers preseason and pursuing a calmer, focused final year on his $100 million contract.
Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey dominated Buccaneers right tackle Luke Goedeke in the Jets’ joint practice, showing explosive edge ability after a 0-sack season. He reportedly won nearly every rep against Goedeke in team and individual drills, a notable feat given Goedeke’s 2025 performance (zero sacks, strong pass-blocking grade). Bailey’s standout camp play signals a potential early impact for New York as he competes against an established blocker.
Day 9 of Bucs training camp featured Kenny Gainwell emerging as a dynamic receiving back, rookie Ted Hurst making two big plays including a TD, and Chris Godwin Jr. providing veteran stability. On defense, David Walker continued to flash as a disruptor and Ayden Garnes solidified depth at corner, while Cody Mauch and Ben Chukwuma faced notable struggles as the team eyes joint practices with the Jets and a preseason opener.
Vita Vea’s agent Collin Roberts said there’s been no progress on his contract and he expects the stalemate to end in a trade, while Buccaneers GM Jason Licht says there are no plans to trade him. Vea, 31, is in the final year of his extension, and the team has attributed early camp absences to a minor back issue. Todd Bowles indicated the Buccaneers still plan to play him this season, underscoring that keeping the star DT is key for Tampa Bay’s NFC South hopes.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said there are no plans to trade defensive tackle Vita Vea, despite his agent signaling a possible deal. Licht said the team has engaged with Vea’s representatives, Vea hasn’t practiced due to a back tweak, and there is no timetable for his return as the contract dispute remains unresolved.