Vita Vea trade request puts five NFL teams in the frame
ESPN says Vita Vea wants out of Tampa Bay, with five teams emerging as possible fits if the Buccaneers consider a deal.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
Vita Vea's trade request has turned Tampa Bay's contract crunch into a full-blown NFL watch item, with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reporting that the Buccaneers defensive tackle formally asked to be moved Monday.
Fowler reported that negotiations between Vea and Tampa Bay have made no progress, citing a source who said the talks have gone “nowhere.” ESPN also reported that Vea is due $18 million in 2026, a figure described by that source as below market for a two-time Pro Bowler who still draws heavy blocking attention.
The Buccaneers are also dealing with a separate contract issue involving quarterback Baker Mayfield. ESPN reported that Mayfield is prepared to play the final year of his deal and potentially reach free agency, while Vea's situation is more urgent because he has asked for a trade.
Which teams could trade for Vita Vea?
ESPN identified five possible landing spots if Tampa Bay decides to consider offers: the Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.
Fowler cautioned that teams he spoke with are not convinced the Buccaneers will actually trade Vea, writing that such a move would not fit the franchise's usual approach. If Tampa Bay does listen, Vea's value is boosted by rare production at a premium defensive spot.
ESPN reported that Vea and Dexter Lawrence II are the only NFL players with at least 60 pressures from the nose tackle position over the past three seasons. Vea's double-team rate was listed at 65.6%, ninth among all NFL players.
A nose tackle usually lines up in the middle of the defensive front, often over or near the center. The job is to clog running lanes, take on blockers and, in Vea's case, still create pressure from inside.
Why the Raiders and Patriots make sense
The Raiders connection starts in the front office. ESPN noted that Las Vegas general manager John Spytek previously worked for the Buccaneers and was involved when Tampa Bay drafted Vea out of Washington in 2018.
Las Vegas has Adam Butler and Jonah Laulu at defensive tackle, according to ESPN, leaving room for a major interior addition. The catch is the Raiders are rebuilding, have already spent on defenders including Quay Walker and Eric Stokes, and have about $14 million in cap space.
New England was framed by ESPN as a fit because of its 3-4 front and nearly $35 million in 2026 cap space. Fowler wrote that the Patriots' biggest need is edge rusher, but with no obvious solution available there, an interior disruptor next to Milton Williams could appeal.
Chargers, Panthers and 49ers round out the list
The Chargers have more than $40 million in cap room, ESPN reported, and Vea could slide into a 3-4 front that already includes Dalvin Tomlinson, Teair Tart, Tuli Tuipulotu, Khalil Mack and Derwin James Jr. Fowler added that general manager Joe Hortiz tends to favor building through the draft, which could limit appetite for a splashy trade.
Carolina would offer another 3-4 fit, with Vea potentially joining a line featuring Derrick Brown and Tershawn Wharton. ESPN reported the Panthers have around $8 million in cap space and could use help after second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton recently suffered a knee injury.
San Francisco has the money and the need. ESPN put the 49ers at around $71 million in cap space and noted they finished last in the NFL with 20 sacks last season, while Vea has 11.5 sacks over the past two years.
The 49ers already traded for Osa Odighizuwa, according to ESPN, but Joey Bosa and Mykel Williams are both coming off injuries. Fowler also noted a local angle: Vea is from Stanford, California.
This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.