While the Los Angeles Rams prepare for the potential return of Aaron Donald, he’s not the only superstar defensive tackle who could be added to a defense right before the season starts. Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowler who has averaged six sacks per season over the last four years, has requested a trade out of Tampa Bay.
According to ESPN’s Ian Rapoport, Vea is unhappy with his contract and would rather go to a team willing to meet his demands. Could Vea be added to the NFC
West’s arms race this year?
Vea, 31, is entering the final season of a four-year, $71 million contract. A former 12th overall pick, Vea has largely lived up to his pre-draft hype and been a disruptive star in the middle of the Bucs’ defensive line, helping Tampa Bay win a Super Bowl in 2020 with Tom Brady.
His age is not as much of a concern as Donald’s, but could be the reason that the Bucs are hesitant to extend him again without seeing how he holds up in 2026.
It is unlikely that Vea would go to the Rams, of course. And the Seattle Seahawks have their hands full at defensive tackle with Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II, both of whom could receive extensions soon.
The 49ers could be a different story.
San Francisco’s defensive tackle position is. a weakness, even after trading for Osa Odighizuwa in the offseason. Alfred Collins, CJ West, and fourth-round rookie Gracen Halton round out the group, but Collins is injured. Trading for Vea would be a very John Lynch-like move for the 49ers.
This could also all be for show, and Vea could be extended by the Bucs any day.
In the race to add more defensive line talent in the NFC West, Aaron Donald isn’t the only potential new face showing up this month.
