As the NFL offseason gears up, we're seeing teams make strategic moves ahead of free agency. The Cowboys have locked in running back Javonte Williams, while the Falcons have secured Kyle Pitts with a franchise tag. Meanwhile, the Dolphins are taking a different route, releasing veteran stars like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb, saving a hefty $56 million in the process.
The Buccaneers, however, find themselves in a different scenario. Despite a tough loss to the Dolphins last season, the Bucs are sticking with head coach Todd Bowles, signaling their belief in a quick turnaround to compete for the division title and possibly more. Like every team, they’re eyeing ways to manage cap space to prepare for new signings in the coming weeks.
So, who might the Bucs part ways with to free up some cap space? It’s a short list.
Most key players are either locked in with guaranteed money or are simply too crucial to the team’s success. Defensive tackle Vita Vea is one name that stands out.
With a cap hit of $22 million and no guaranteed money left, releasing him could save a significant chunk of change. But the dead cap hit would still be $6 million.
Despite the financial logic, cutting Vea seems unlikely. His partnership with Calijah Kancey has been formidable, and his leadership as a captain is invaluable.
Last season’s dip in his stats can be attributed to Kancey’s absence for most of the year. Without Vea, the Bucs would face a shaky defensive line situation, relying on the injury-prone Kancey and second-year player Elijah Roberts.
Recent speculation, like that from Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report, suggests Vea could be a surprise cut. But let's break it down: Vea remains a defensive cornerstone, even as he enters his 30s, a time when some players see a decline. Financially, releasing him could save $15.7 million against the cap, but it would create a significant gap in the defense.
With top free agents like Jamel Dean and Mike Evans in the mix, the Bucs might be considering a refresh. However, it’s more likely they'll find a way to keep Vea, as his departure would leave a massive void. General Manager Jason Licht emphasized Vea’s importance at the NFL Scouting Combine, underscoring his role as a key defensive player.
Vea, now 31, faces a pivotal season. A strong performance could not only secure another big payday, possibly with the Bucs or elsewhere, but also elevate Tampa Bay’s defense back to its glory days of 2020 and 2021. The wait-and-see approach seems prudent, ensuring they make the best decision for the team’s future.