Most Concerning Developments From Buccaneers' Mandatory Minicamp

Tampa Bay's defense had a massive void during minicamp practices, as star nose tackle Vita Vea was present, but not participating in any on-field activities. Multiple reports have indicated that Vea is unhappy with his contract situation, as he heads into the final year of his current four-year deal with no long-term security beyond this season.

Vea turns 32 in February, and is already making around $18 million per season. He's still one of the league's best players at his position, but the Bucs might be hesitant to give him a big raise on a new long-term deal at this point in his career. All that means right now is that one of Tampa Bay's best defenders isn't on the field, and that's never a good sign for a head coach in Todd Bowles who needs his defense to deliver if he wants to keep his own job beyond 2026.

More Injury Issues for Benjamin Morrison

When the Bucs used their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison, there was already concern about his durability. Morrison had missed a decent chunk of the previous season with a hip injury, and was also unable to participate in predraft workouts until just days before the draft. He was dinged up at times throughout his rookie season, and it doesn't look like the issue is getting any better.

Morrison is dealing with yet another injury, which kept him off the field at this week's minicamp. The Bucs had two other corners on the sidelines with injuries, as well, leaving them thin at the position. After letting Jamel Dean walk in free agency this offseason, the Bucs are counting on a big leap from Morrison in his second NFL season. They won't get it if he can't stay on the field.

Contract Negotiations Looming Over Baker Mayfield

This one is more of a lurking concern behind the scenes, as Mayfield was indeed present and participating in on-field activities this week. But earlier this month, the Bucs' starting quarterback made it clear that his camp and the team are "not anywhere close" to working out a long-term contract extension. Like Vea, Mayfield only has one year remaining on his current deal, a three-year pact he signed after an impressive first season in Tampa Bay back in 2023.

Nobody wants to go into a season with long-term questions at the game's most important position, and both sides of this equation continue to say all the right things about wanting to stick together beyond this season. But actions speak louder than words, and until pen is put to paper on a new deal, that lack of long-term security will be palpable in everything the team does. Mayfield set a clear deadline, too, saying he won't negotiate beyond the start of training camp, so this one will be the most important storyline for Bucs fans to follow in the coming weeks.