The 12th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, Vita Vea has been a starter since his rookie season. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Vita Vea, Bucs agree to four-year extension worth more than $73M?

Originally posted on Pro Football Rumors | By Ely Allen | Last updated 1/8/22

One of the premier defensive tackles in the NFL, Vita Vea agreed to a shiny, new contract Saturday night, extending his stay in Tampa Bay for another four years. The new deal, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, is worth more than $73 million and will give Vea one of the six highest annual salaries for a defensive tackle in the NFL.

The 12th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, Vea has been a starter since his rookie season. Vea suffered fractures in his right leg and ankle in Week 5 of the 2020 season, which forced him to miss the remaining 11 regular-season games and the Buccaneers’ first two playoff games. Vea returned in time to help his squad win the NFC and Super Bowl LV over the Chiefs.

Vea’s new deal gives him the highest annual salary on the Buccaneers’ defense and second-highest salary on the roster behind only quarterback Tom Brady. In exchange, Tampa Bay has locked down the leader and future of their defensive line for the next four years.

This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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