Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears have shown interest in a potential trade for Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Vita Vea. That is according to a new NFL insider report.
Vea, 31, is a two-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion.
More importantly for the Bears’ purposes, he is a smothering presence on the interior defensive line. Vea could do wonders for what was the 27th-ranked run defense in the league during the 2025 regular season.
Bears Checked With Buccaneers on Vita Vea Trade: Report
Garafolo: Vita Vea Trade on Bears’ Radar
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on the Bears’ interest in Vea. The news came ahead of the Buccaneers’ preseason opener against the New York Jets on Friday night.
“My understanding is there has been communication between the sides. A deal is not imminent. Teams have called the Buccaneers to see if they’re interested in trading him,” Garafolo said on “NFL GameDay Kickoff” on August 14. “Amongst them, I’m told, is the Bills, the Bears, the 49ers, and there are a few others as well. But the Buccaneers continue to say internally they are not trading Vita Vea.”
Vea is on an expiring four-year, $71 million contract.
“The big nosedackle will not be playing tonight. He hasn’t been practicing because he is upset with the fact that he’s entering the final year of his deal. Set to make around $18 million this upcoming season, with the top of the defensive tackle market now, at $38 million, and a few other guys that he feels his production is comparable with also getting deals in the $30-plus million range,” Garafolo said before revealing the Bears’ interest.
“Vea was here with the team at the joint practice the other day. He was not wearing his jersey. Had it tucked into the back of his pants, which a lot of times is an indication to the team–I’ve seen this with a player holding out, or holding in–they won’t wear the team logo or anything to that end. So, it’s clear, Vea is upset. I did post on social media about his production, according to Pro Football Focus, and a few of his teammates–and he, as well–reposted it and said, ‘Yeah, this is the point we’re trying to make on this one.”
Vea has 256 total tackles and 35.0 sacks in his career, adding 3 forced fumbles and 3 recoveries. He also started 107 of his 112 appearances.
Bears starter Gervon Dexter Sr. is notably in the final year of his rookie contract.
The Bears have invested heavily in their defensive line in recent years, but have not seen the desired results. Adding a talent like Vea could be the kind of move that shores up a major problem area from last season. That is, if Poles can convince his Buccaneers counterpart, Jason Licht, to part with Vea.
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