Todd Bowles: There’s always distractions, these happen to be two of our biggest players - NBC Sports

What the report says

NBCSports.com’s Pro Football Talk reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened training camp with contract situations involving two prominent players: quarterback Baker Mayfield and defensive tackle Vita Vea. The report, published July 29, 2026, said Mayfield is expected to enter the season in the final year of his current deal after the sides did not reach an extension during the offseason. It also said Vea has asked to be traded after seeking a new contract.

Head coach Todd Bowles addressed the issue at a press conference, saying contract matters are a regular part of NFL seasons but acknowledging that this year’s cases involve unusually important players for Tampa Bay. Bowles said the team’s priority remains football and indicated he believes the roster has enough experience and leadership to keep the situation from dominating camp.

According to NBCSports.com, Bowles specifically pointed to Mayfield’s leadership as a factor in keeping business matters separate from team preparation. He said the Buccaneers do not intend to let the quarterback’s contract year, or the absence of a new deal, define training camp.

Bowles deferred questions about whether talks with Mayfield could continue to general manager Jason Licht. The developments matter because Mayfield plays the sport’s most visible position and Vea is a key defensive piece, putting two major roster questions in the spotlight as Tampa Bay prepares for Week 1.