Vita Vea has formally requested a trade out of Tampa Bay after failing to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension with the franchise. Here are three teams that could (and probably should) pursue the two-time Pro Bowl DT ahead of the 2026-27 NFL season.
3 Vita Vea Landing Spots
New York Giants
After dealing away star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II ahead of the NFL draft, the Giants have been left with a massive hole along the interior. The front office attempted to fill that void in the aggregate by signing DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, and Leki Fotu.
However, the positions still feel incomplete.
Trading for Vea would immediately address the group’s lack of firepower. The Buccaneers star brings a similar skill set to Lawrence, and the Giants could acquire him at a lower price than Lawrence went for, effectively making it a worthwhile swap.
Las Vegas Raiders
Maxx Crosby, who remains on the roster entering training camp, is the lone proven playmaker on the Raiders’ defense. The team’s defensive tackle group, led by Adam Butler and Benito Jones, doesn’t inspire much optimism.
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Vea, on the other hand, is a proven star who could help transform the Raiders’ defense, which has struggled in recent years.
Senior writer Ted Nguyen of The Athletic reported that Vea “wants to go to a California team or the Raiders.” Las Vegas owns two third-round picks and three fourth-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft. The Raiders could potentially package one of those selections along with their second-round pick (via Washington) to acquire the Pro Bowl defensive tackle.
San Francisco 49ers
Competing in the NFC West this season won’t be easy. The Los Angeles Rams added Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie this offseason and are looking to bring back Aaron Donald. The reigning champion Seattle Seahawks, meanwhile, will be looking to repeat.
With Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and the return of Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers already have one of the league’s most talented defenses, but could another move be on the way?
The team’s current defensive tackle group of Osa Odighizuwa, Bryson Eason, and Kevin Givens leaves plenty to be desired. Adding Vea would transform the room and give Bosa much-needed help on the front end.
This past season, Vea posted an overall impact score of 78.6, ranking 25th among defensive tackles, according to PFN’s metrics. Even so, he remains one of the NFL’s top interior defenders, and the Buccaneers could receive a significant haul if they decide to move him.
