Vita Vea

The Buccaneers have restructured defensive tackle Vita Vea's contract. By altering his 2022 base salary, Tampa Bay managed to create $7.64 million in cap space for the upcoming season.

Fantasy Impact

With free agency on the horizon, creating upwards of $7 million could go a long way for the Buccaneers. Vea has been dominant for the team, and he earned his first Pro Bowl selection this past season. Through 16 games, the 26-year-old totaled 33 tackles, four sacks, and one fumble recovery. He is a key piece of the Bucs' defensive front that they hope to keep long-term.

Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (knee) returned to practice on Thursday. He missed the team's Week 11 game against the Giants and logged a limited session on Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact

Vea has been a strong part of the Bucs' defensive line this season, recording 19 tackles, one sack, and one fumble recovery through nine games. His presence will be pivotal ahead of a tricky matchup against Jonathan Taylor and the Colts.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea is inactive for Monday Night Football against the New York Giants.

Fantasy Impact

Vita Vea missed practice all week and was listed as doubtful coming into tonight’s contest. Vea’s absence should provide a significant boost to Saquon Barkley’s fantasy prospects in Week 11. The Buccaneers are still a stout run defense without Vea but are truly one of the better units in the league when he is healthy and clogging up the middle. More of a pressure-creating, space-eater who excels against the run than a sack artist, Vea has been more DT3 than DT2 this season but was on sack watch against Daniel Jones and the Giants.

Bucs DL Vita Vea was diagnosed with a bone bruise and a slight MCL sprain, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Fantasy Impact

Vea underwent an MRI, which revealed the injuries. He might miss some time, but the damage could've been a lot worse. Vea's presence this season has been huge for Tampa Bay's run-stuffing defensive front.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that Buccaneers have exercised the fifth-year option on DT Vita Vea.

Fantasy Impact

This is not shocking as Vea is a vital piece in the Buccaneers elite defense. He only appeared in five games but made his presence known when on the field. Tampa Bay brought back virtually everybody on offense and defense and will look to win back-to-back championships. Buccaneers defense will be elite yet again in 2021.