Big news came out of Tampa Bay on Monday – and by big, we’re talking 350-pounds big – as Buccaneers star defensive tackle Vita Vea reportedly requested a trade from the organization.
The two-time Pro Bowl interior defensive lineman is in the final year of a four-year, $71 million contract with Tampa Bay, the team that drafted him 12th overall in 2018, two picks after San Francisco selected Mike McGlinchey at No. 10 overall.
“Per a source, talks with Tampa Bay have gone ‘nowhere,’ and the $18 million due to Vea in 2026 is below market value for a two-time Pro Bowler who still commands double-teams,” said ESPN senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler.
Now with Vea potentially available for trade, Fowler believes San Francisco, who desperately missed a force who could pressure the quarterback last season, potentially could be a fit.
“Manufacturing a pass rush is a must (the 49ers were last in the NFL with 20 sacks last season), and Vea has 11.5 sacks over the past two seasons,” wrote Fowler.
Vea’s 4.5 sacks last season would have led a San Francisco defense – which finished with 20 total — that dealt with major injuries to key defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams – both tearing their ACL – during the 2025 NFL season.
To help the 49ers’ case, Vea would prefer to play in California or for the Las Vegas Raiders, The Athletic’s Ted Nguyen reported Monday, citing a source.
The 31-year-old was born in Stanford, Calif., and went to high school in Milpitas – located just 14 minutes away from Levi’s Stadium.
Only time will tell if the Buccaneers will be willing to part with their interior force to make the homecoming come to fruition.
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