Vita Vea is one of the best defensive tackles in football, and the two-time Pro Bowl selection could have a new home before the start of the season. Originally selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Washington product quickly became one of the game’s better interior defenders. Starting in eight games while appearing in 13, the rookie finished his inaugural season with three sacks, 28 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, four quarterback hits, and a 73.2 PFF grade, the 38th-best mark out of 112 eligible players.
The defensive tackle continued to improve from there, and while nobody ever confused him with Aaron Donald, Vita Vea quickly became one of the best all-around players at his position. He played a crucial role in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl victory in 2020, made the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2024, and remains a productive player despite entering his age-31 season. Last year, the defensive tackle started all 17 games while recording 4.5 sacks, seven tackles-for-loss, 13 quarterback hits, and a 72.8 PFF grade, the 18th-best mark in the league.
After attempting to get a new contract throughout the offseason, Vita Vea has reportedly requested a trade and is looking for a new home. While it’s anyone’s guess if the Buccaneers would actually grant his request, it’s safe to assume that just about every team in the league would love to have him. However, the following three destinations make the most sense.
Top 3 Teams That Could Trade For Vita Vea
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the game’s all-time great defensive tackles in Chris Jones, but the future Hall of Famer is starting to slow down. Jones didn’t look like himself last year, and while he’s still under contract for another season, he probably won’t return if he cannot dramatically improve his play. While the team used a first-round pick on Clemson’s Peter Woods, they could still use someone like Vita Vea.
In the short term, Vita Vea will give the Chiefs the best interior pass-rush duo in football. Patrick Mahomes is returning from a torn ACL, and his collection of pass-catching weapons leaves a lot to be desired. The defense will play a larger role in this team’s success, and Vea will help Kansas City return to the playoffs. In the long run, Vea and Woods have the potential to continue this dominance for the next few years.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have the offensive firepower to push for a championship. First-overall pick Caleb Williams thrived under head coach Ben Johnson; the team is loaded with talented pass-catching weapons, and the offensive line is one of the best units in football. However, the defense could use some work, and Vita Vea could be the missing piece this team desperately needs.
As of this posting, the Bears don’t have any great options at defensive tackle. Vita Vea would easily be the best interior defender on the roster, and his presence would help the reigning NFC North champions maintain their title in one of the toughest divisions in football.
New Orleans Saints
Would the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ever trade Vita Vea within the division? That might be a question for another day, but there’s no denying how good this fit would be. New Orleans is a team on the rise, as they caught fire in the back half of the season once second-round pick Tyler Shough took over under center. While it’s too early to officially call him a franchise quarterback, the Louisville product looked the part. There’s no bigger competitive advantage than a starting-caliber quarterback on a rookie contract, and now is the time to capitalize on that window.
Vita Vea cannot singlehandedly win a championship, but he can solidify a defensive line that could use another playmaker. The NFC South is wide open, and Vea’s arrival could help New Orleans return to the postseason for the first time since the Drew Brees Era.
