According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bucs have restructured the contract of defensive tackle Vita Vea. The move cleared $7.64 million in cap space. More moves are coming from Tampa Bay, as they clear space to get under the cap for the new league year. The Bucs will also need ample cap space as they attempt to re-sign a majority of their 25 free agents.
The #Bucs restructured the 2022 base salary of NT Vita Vea, source said, creating $7.64M worth of cap space.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2022
In early January, the Bucs signed Vea to a massive, four-year contract extension. The hulking defensive tackle signed the $71 million contract before the season ended, locking him up with the Bucs through the 2026 season. With this move, Vea’s base salary will go from $10.6 million to $1.12 million. The remaining $9.6 million will be prorated over the life of the deal. Given how the cap is expected to increase over the next couple of years, it’s not a big concern for the Bucs.
More moves are coming. Tampa Bay needs to clear additional cap space as free agency officially opens on Wednesday. But on Monday at noon EST, players are free to negotiate with teams. The Bucs need additional cap space in order to re-sign many of their key free agents. At the top of their priority list is C Ryan Jensen, OG Alex Cappa, CB Carlton Davis, S Jordan Whitehead and RB Leonard Fournette.
The Bucs are currently $3.21 million over the cap. Expect a Shaq Barrett contract restructure and possibly a Mike Evans’ extension to be among Tampa Bay’s next moves. And, hopefully, a Chris Godwin long-term contract that lowers his 2022 cap hit. Stay tuned.
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About the Author: Jon Ledyard
I hope we’re gearing up to make a big push towards Watson
They are gearing up to try not to lose dozen or so free agents they need to try to keep. I doubt they pull the trigger on Watson nor should they imo. Too many draft picks and don’t see it worth it. Especially with someone with character issues agin like Winston. Pass.
No way the Bucs (or anyone) gives up three 1st round picks plus more for Watson with all his character issues. Not a chance, not even for two 1st rounders.
Yep, just keep on passing the Buc Cap down the road and then watch some of the fans scream about in four years how dumb was that. Umm, inflation in four years will cause even more problems.
Bucs can’t keep everybody. But they gotta resign somebody. Sure, I like the idea of Watson. But at what price guys? What goods bringing a QB in with no complimentary players to help him? I would not give up more than 2 1st rounders and maybe a 4th or 5th for the guy. My guess is we will make the Texans an offer and they will go with a team who is willing to mortgage their draft and a couple other players. We had better solidify both our O and D lines. We are gonna need a hellava D with… Read more »
Watson is one of the few players in the league with a no-trade clause. That essentially makes him a free agent in many regards, but above all else, this decision comes down to WHERE he wants to play. If he wants to play in Tampa, we should make a REASONABLE offer IF AND WHEN his legal issues are resolved (including assurance the NFL will take no further actions).