[](https://www.joebucsfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vealeftweek2.png)Even after the new Jeffrey Simmons contract was dissected and its inflated agent numbers were cast aside, Simmons is still set to earn more than $30 million annually on the contract extension the stud Titans defense tackle signed last week.
The timing was thought-provoking at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters. Why? Because ninth-year Bucs defensive tackle Vita Vea wants a contract extension and doesn’t have one. He’s due about $17 million this season and has no deal in place for 2027.
Vea attended mandatory minicamp last week but did not participate in practice. Some call it a “hold-in.” It’s a way for a player avoid injury risk — and mandatory fines per the NFL labor agreement. The team, of course, could fine Vea directly for failing to participate.
Might the giant Simmons contract lead Vea to dig in and stage a true holdout in training camp? That’s doubtful because it would cost Vea tens of thousands of dollars in fines. But if he “holds-in,” then fines would be at the Bucs’ discretion.
The Bucs likely want Vea to play out his contract. That’s what happens when you’re 31 years old at a position where longevity is scarce.
And Joe knows the whole “Buc For Life” mantra is a scam. In March of 2024, a 30-year-old Mike Evans signed a two-year extension with the Buccaneers. Why that deal wasn’t for three years remains a mystery.