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Vita Vea
DT · TB

Vita Vea

Position DT
Team TB
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Vita Vea

NFL defensive tackle. Position: DT. Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Quick Facts

  • Position: Defensive Tackle (DT)
  • Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Draft: 2018, 12th overall pick
  • Contract: In final year of 4-year, $71M extension; scheduled $18M salary 2026

2026 Outlook

At 31 years old and in the final year of his 2022 extension ($18M salary in 2026), Vea is seeking a new contract. He missed all spring workouts in protest, skipped voluntary OTAs, and attended only mandatory minicamp. By late July, after months of failed negotiations between GM Jason Licht and Vea's representatives, the veteran DT formally requested a trade. He reported this as the reason for the trade request—stalled extension talks left him unwilling to continue with Tampa Bay. His participation in 2026 training camp is uncertain pending resolution of the trade request (per NFL Training Camp Round-Up: Aaron Rodgers says there's 'zero debate' this is his final...).

Vea remains a solid interior defensive lineman. His 2025 season (42 tackles, 7 sacks) earned him a 20th-best PFF grade among interior D-linemen, with elite pass-rushing prowess (top-12 grade) but more modest run defense (comparable to Kenny Clark and Neville Gallimore). He posted 40 total QB pressures (9th among DTs) and 4.5 sacks. His durability has been a strength—he was a cornerstone of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl LV championship defense. However, at 31 and facing potential departure, his 2026 value depends entirely on resolution: trade to a contender, extended contract with Bucs, or holdout. (per NFL Network: Two-time Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea requests trade from Buccaneers)

Vea's reported geographic preferences (California teams or the Raiders) point to the Chargers, 49ers, Rams, or Raiders as most likely destinations. The Chargers are the strongest fit: LA ranked last in the NFL in interior pass rush with only 41 pressures (8.30% rate), while Vea alone generated 44 pressures in 2025. His $17M salary and expiring deal make a mid-round pick trade realistic—the Chargers could nearly double their interior production with his addition.

49ers emergence (late July 2026): ESPN's Jeremy Fowler listed the 49ers among five potential trade fits for Vea. San Francisco provides multiple attractions: league-leading $71M cap space, Vea's local Bay Area roots (Milpitas High School, Stanford area childhood home), and a defensive rebuild led by Raheem Morris. The 49ers ranked 31st in 2025 sacks (20 total) and 29th in interior pressures (47 total)—areas Vea would immediately upgrade. San Francisco recently invested a third-round pick in Osa Odighizuwa and made interior defense development a priority. One wrinkle: the 49ers run a 3-4 front unlike Tampa Bay's traditional 4-3, so Vea's usage would differ. A trade would reunite Vea with ex-Buccaneers star Mike Evans, who has played alongside Vea for eight years (2018-2025). (per 49ers linked to Vita Vea in potential trade by NFL insider)

The Rams already led the NFL in interior production (94 pressures, 15.31% rate) and have Myles Garrett, so a trade makes less sense there. The Raiders lack the cap space for an extension and are rebuilding around Fernando Mendoza. Vea remains a key piece for any contender seeking to anchor their interior defense. However, pairing Vea with Maxx Crosby would create elite defensive pressure, analysts caution that the Raiders should focus on evaluating Fernando Mendoza's development before trading significant assets for a 31-year-old on an expiring deal; even with Vea, playoff success would likely be limited. (per Vita Vea has Chargers written all over him after fresh trade demand, Vita Vea trade request puts 49ers, Chargers, Rams and Raiders on alert, and Pros and Cons of Raiders Trading for Vita Vea)

July 29 trade perspective update: Vea has 65.6% double-team rate (ninth among all NFL players) and is one of only two players with 60+ pressures from the nose tackle position over the past three seasons, alongside Cincinnati's Dexter Lawrence II. Lawrence was traded for a 10th overall pick and earned a one-year, $28M extension from Cincinnati—setting a market price point for elite interior defenders. At 31 (three years older than Lawrence), Vea's trade value should fall closely behind Lawrence's, with contract demands now backed by this recent precedent. (per Vita Vea trade request: Five NFL team fits for the Bucs DT)

July 29 early-camp status: With trade negotiations ongoing, Vea's status for the 2026 season remains in limbo. His trade request effectively signals to teams that Tampa Bay is open to moving him—likely before training camp begins. If a trade doesn't materialize and he's forced to report, his availability and engagement in camp are uncertain given the acrimonious contract standoff. The Buccaneers' defensive outlook hinges on whether Vea stays, gets traded, or sits out; his loss would be massive for Tampa Bay's pass rush. (per After major injury news from NFL training camp, experts update NFC South predictions)

August 6 update — Bucs pushing to keep Vea: GM Jason Licht stated the team has "no plans on trading Vita" and described him as "a very important piece" of the defense. Licht confirmed recent engagement with Vea's agent "at least some progress" on contract resolution. Vea remains in training camp but currently sidelined from full participation due to a back injury sustained the prior week. Licht expressed confidence Vea will play in 2026, suggesting a path toward contract resolution may be materializing despite earlier trade speculation. (per Jahmyr Gibbs & Jonathan Taylor Extension Updates)

August 10 update — Market context shifts again: Licht reiterated he has "no plans on trading Vita" and remains "engaged" with his agent on a new deal, though acknowledged uncertainty about how negotiations will ultimately resolve. The defensive tackle market has moved sharply: Jalen Carter (Philadelphia Eagles) recently became the highest-paid DT in NFL history at $38M per year, and Jeffery Simmons (Tennessee Titans) signed at $35.276M annually. For context, Vea's current deal ranks just 21st among DTs at $17.75M AAV, and at 31 years old, he likely commands $30+ million per year on a short-term extension. The combination of market movement, his presence in camp (spotted talking to head coach Todd Bowles despite not participating in drills), and continued negotiations suggest the Buccaneers are moving toward a resolution rather than a trade, though contract terms remain unresolved. (per NFL News: Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Addresses Vita Vea Trade Rumors)

August 14 inquiry update: Despite Licht's firm stance, multiple teams have reached out about Vea's availability: the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, and San Francisco 49ers have all inquired. Other teams beyond these three have also made contact. The Buccaneers remain "steadfast they're not trading [Vea]" and continue to work on a potential new deal, with Vea continuing to attend (but not participate in) training camp. Vea's agent Collin Roberts maintains that a trade is the likely outcome, though the Bucs' official position remains unchanged. (per New Vita Vea Trade Rumors Update Potential NFL Landing Spots Amid Bucs Contract Standoff)

August 19 deal done — Extension agreed: After months of standoff, Vea and the Buccaneers reached agreement on a one-year, $30 million extension with $48 million guaranteed over two years. The deal gives Vea a $7 million annual raise while resolving the contract dispute that had threatened to derail his 2026 participation. Vea will earn substantial guaranteed money and retains free agency after 2027, effectively ending the trade request saga. The extension allows the Bucs to keep their premier defensive lineman without losing him in a trade. (per Report: Buccaneers, DT Vita Vea agree to terms on one-year, $30 million extension, NFL news - Saints' Alvin Kamara out at least 1 month, Chargers C Tyler Biadasz out indefinitely)

Role / Depth Chart

Established starter and two-time Pro Bowler. Played all 17 regular-season games in 2025 with 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 13 QB hits. Known for disruptive presence on the interior defensive line.

Injury Status

Unclear. Notably played slightly below typical size in 2025 (6-4, 347 lbs vs. usual weight). No active injuries reported heading into 2026 training camp.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Will Bucs trade Vea or resolve contract situation?
  • If traded, which team lands him?

Sources

What the Experts Are Saying

Fantasy Points Fantasy FootballSigmund Bloom's 2026 Fantasy Football Values and Fades (Ultimate Vibe Check)
Underdog Fantasy Football - Josh & HaydenTwo 2026 NFL Mock Drafts Back-to-Back (with Trades!)