The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Day 2 and the final day of mandatory minicamp on Wednesday after canceling Thursday’s practice session, setting up a month-long break until training camp begins in late July. If a player has an unexcused absence, they will be fined approximately $17,900 for skipping Day 1 and $35,900 for Day 2, totaling $53,800, per Over The Cap. One unique way to avoid fines while protesting their contract situation is to stage a hold-in: players report to minicamp but do not participate in drills, instead observing from the sidelines.
Highlighting one potential holdout is Vita Vea. The two-time Pro Bowler enters the final year of his contract and is scheduled to earn a $17 million base salary while carrying a $22.19 million cap hit. The 31-year-old Vea skipped voluntary organized team activities.
The reason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2x-Pro Bowler sitting out mandatory minicamp has been revealed
Nov 16, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) warms up prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Vita Vea reported for mandatory minicamp, forfeiting more than $53,800 in fines. However, the two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle did not participate in Tuesday’s practice and will not participate on Wednesday. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Vea is conducting a hold-in as he enters the final year of his contract, seeking a raise and a long-term extension.
From The Insiders on @nflnetwork: #Buccaneers DT Vita Vea wasn’t practicing at minicamp today and hasn’t been for OTAs in the spring. I’m told it’s related to the two-time Pro Bowler’s contract, as Vea is entering the final year of his deal from 4+ years ago. pic.twitter.com/KMd1MzQAid
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 17, 2026
Todd Bowles isn’t overly concerned about his “absence”
“We don’t need to see him right now,” Bowles said, via Joe of Joe Bucs Fan.