The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some unwelcome news on Monday as veteran defensive tackle Vita Vea reportedly requested a trade, per Adam Schefter.
The trade request, which was first reported by Adam Schefter, comes as Vea is entering the final year of a 4-year, $71 million contract. The New York Giants, meanwhile, are still looking for solutions to fill the void in their defensive line left by the trade of star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence.
Vea’s request is likely a part of his contract negotiations.
However, as the Giants well know, these things have a way of quickly going from leverage play to reality. That of course, begs the question: Should the Giants be in on a potential trade of Vea?
Vea, 31, remains one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. Even across the 30-year mark, he combines rare size, burst, and power for a nose tackle. The Giants did sign DJ Reader earlier this off-season and also drafted Bobby Jamison-Travis. However, neither is of the same caliber as the former 12th overall pick. Adding Vea would
The question, of course, comes down to price. Vea is 31, a nose tackle, and seeking a contract extension.
The Giants likely won’t want to trade a high draft pick, considering the expected caliber of the 2027 NFL Draft. For reference, even the New England Patriots only parted with a 2028 pick for AJ Brown. Vea simply doesn’t have the kind of impact potential that Brown does, so the Buccaneers would likely have to settle for less than they’d prefer.
It’s possible that the Giants could negotiate a favorable deal given Vea’s age. Perhaps they could negotiate a price that uses picks later round picks over the 2027 and 2028 drafts. Or perhaps they could also perhaps use Kayvon Thibodeaux as a trade chip. In that case, they may ask for additional compensation considering the fact that Thibodeaux is only 25 and plays a more valuable position.
Regardless, the feeling here is that Joe Schoen absolutely should pick up the phone.
So Giants fans, do you think the Giants should seriously consider a trade for Vea?
