49ers inquired about Vita Vea while Buccaneers insist they aren’t trading him

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo provided an update on Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea, revealing that the San Francisco 49ers are among the teams that have inquired about his availability.

Vea requested a trade in July after contract talks with the Buccaneers stalled. Although he has been attending training camp, the veteran defensive lineman has not participated in on-field work.

Garafolo noted that Vea is entering the final year of his contract and is set to earn approximately $18 million in 2026, well below his perceived market value. Additionally, none of that money is guaranteed.

The NFL Network insider added that Vea and the Buccaneers have been in communication regarding his contract status, but a deal is not imminent.

"Teams have called the Buccaneers to see if they are interested in trading him," Garafolo said ahead of Tampa Bay's preseason game against the New York Jets. "Amongst them, I'm told, is the Bills, the Bears, the 49ers, and there are a few others as well."

Garafolo concluded by stating, "The Buccaneers continue to say internally they are not trading Vita Vea."

The 49ers' projected starting defensive tackles are currently Osa Odighizuwa and Alfred Collins. Adding a player of Vea's caliber alongside Odighizuwa would give the 49ers a significant boost as they look to compete with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams, the Super Bowl LXI favorites, in the NFC West.

Vea appeared in all 17 games last season, recording 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 13 quarterback hits, and 4.5 sacks. He posted a career-high seven sacks in 2024 and has recorded 35 sacks over his eight NFL seasons.

The veteran defensive tackle was also a key member of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl-winning team during the 2020 season.

Mentioned in this article: Alfred Collins, Osa Odighizuwa