10
Loading video...
By Matthew Davis
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Vita Vea apparently wants out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after contract extension negotiations fell through.
The longtime Buccaneers nose tackle is a two-time Pro Bowler and has a lot to offer another team amid his trade request. Vea, 31, helped the Buccaneers win a Super Bowl in the 2020 season, and he’s an outstanding pass rusher and run stopper with his massive size and athleticism.
A Stanford, California, native, the former Washington Huskies star could return to the West Coast or near that region via a trade. There’re four teams out that way with enough salary cap space available and a need for a defensive force in the trenches like Vea.
Read More on NFL
Las Vegas Raiders
This one makes sense in many ways for Vea. He’s familiar with Raiders general manager John Spytek, who was in the Buccaneers front office when Vea came to Tampa as a rookie. Former Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is now a minority owner for the Raiders, and Vea also has that connection from the 2020 Super Bowl team.
On the field, Vea pairing up with defensive end Maxx Crosby would make the Raiders lethal in the trenches. That said, the Raiders are a rebuilding team, and Vea getting one more Super Bowl ring isn’t likely to happen soon in Las Vegas.
...
San Francisco 49ers
Could Vea make it two ex-Buccaneers stars in the Bay Area? Star wide receiver Mike Evans already left for the 49ers as a free agent, so that could give Vea one familiar face. It would also be a homecoming for Vea, since Stanford is just a half hour from the 49ers’ home field in Santa Clara.
On the field, the 49ers could get much-needed pass-rushing help to complement Nick Bosa. Vea also has a legitimate shot at another Super Bowl ring with the 49ers, a playoff regular.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are all-in for 2026 after making the NFC Championship Game last season. Pairing Vea up front with Myles Garrett would make the Rams defensive line all the more dangerous and poised for a Super Bowl run. It's also still in California, so Vea would be plenty close to home.
Los Angeles Chargers
Vea could give the Chargers huge help on the defensive line and increase the chances of getting to the playoffs again and making a run. The Chargers have the money to pay Vea, but Los Angeles also plays in one of the toughest divisions in football amid a seven-year playoff win drought.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines