Vita Vea was a hold-in at Tampa Bay Buccaneers mandatory minicamp, opting not to practice without a new contract extension.
Vea is arguably the most important player on the Bucs’ defense, playing a key role in the team’s success stopping the run over the years.
He’s an elite player, but he’s also entering his age-31 season. He’s likely seeking a major pay raise, and paying him market value on a long-term deal could be viewed as a huge risk for Tampa Bay.
If the team doesn’t plan to re-sign him, it’s worth discussing whether they should trade him, rather than letting him walk for nothing next offseason.
The defensive unit would take a major hit if they lost Vea, but if the Bucs can get a premium draft pick in return, a trade has to be considered. It would take a substantial offer for Tampa Bay to even consider parting ways with a player so crucial to their defensive success, but he’s not untouchable.
There are two legitimate playoff contenders who would really benefit from adding a player like Vea.
Buffalo Bills could be perfect partners for Buccaneers in a Vita Vea trade
The Buffalo Bills ranked No. 28 in rushing defense last season, allowing 136 yards per game. They finished 12-5, but failed to win their division, thanks in large part to their porous run defense.
Tampa Bay has had the No. 1 rush defense dating back to 2019, when Vea became a full-time starter. They’ve had a top-five rushing defense in six of Vea’s eight seasons.
Vita Vea is the ultimate enforcer 😤 pic.twitter.com/KUkRJnkwQ2
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 6, 2026
Second-year defensive tackle Deone Walker is projected to be Buffalo’s starting nose tackle next season, but a team in win-now mode like the Bills could really benefit from a proven elite player like Vea.
The Bills are chasing a Super Bowl, and Vea would immediately fix their biggest weakness in run defense.
Chicago Bears should explore a Vita Vea trade with Buccaneers
Like Buffalo, the Chicago Bears were a contending team in 2025, with their rush defense being a glaring weakness.
The Bears ranked No. 27 against the run, allowing 134 yards per game. They ranked No. 28 back in 2024, so this is a consistent issue over the past two seasons.
The Bears did sign Neville Gallimore in free agency, and while he was a very effective pass rusher for the Colts, his PFF run defense grade ranked 100th out of 134 qualifying players.
It’s unlikely he’s the fix the Bears need as the anchor of their defensive line. They didn’t address defensive tackle until the sixth round of the NFL Draft, and while Jordan van den Berg is a high upside player, he’s a raw, developmental prospect.
Chicago plays in one of the most highly-contested divisions in the NFL with the Packers, Lions, and Vikings. If the Bears want to build on their 11-6 season and go on another deep playoff run, bolstering the run defense would go a long way.
The Bears should pick up the phone and see if they can put together an offer that forces the Bucs to consider trading Vea ahead of his contract year.
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