In a Saturday night stunner, the Bucs have signed defensive tackle Vita Vea to a four-year contract extension. The former first round pick was extended on a 4-year, $73 million deal. $42 million of Vea’s contract will be guaranteed. Vea will play next season on his fifth-year option, with the four-year deal triggering after the 2022 season. That means Vea is slated to be a Buc through the 2026 campaign. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport had the news first.

Vea is in the midst of a career year, with 31 tackles, four sacks and five tackles-for-loss. The hulking nose tackle is a consistent pressure generator and has knocked down three passes at the line this season. Vea anchors one of the best run-stopping units in the NFL for the third straight year. There is no denying his talent, but the Bucs are definitely paying a premium for his services.

Valuing Vita Vea

Bucs NT Vita Vea – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Right now, Vea’s contract makes him the fifth-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL on a per-year basis. At $18.25 million per year, only Aaron Donald, Leonard Williams, DeForest Buckner and Chris Jones make more than him. Considering Vea has just 11.5 career sacks, that is a little bit surprising. The Washington product is also about to turn 27 years old, meaning this contract will take him through his 33-year old season.

However, the contract structure will matter a lot. With only $42 million guaranteed, the Bucs likely have the ability to get out of the deal in the last 1-2 years. Meanwhile, they get one of the most impactful interior defenders in the NFL locked up for a long time. Also, Vea will only earn $7.6 million next year on his 5th-year option. By the time his new deal kicks in, the cap will have gone up again. I still think the deal ends up a win for the Bucs in the end. But Vea can help them look even smarter if he builds on this season as a pass rusher.