Trades are much more common in the NFL now than they were a few years ago. When players are unhappy or feel they are underpaid, they aren't afraid to make their wants known.
This offseason, several star players like A.J. Brown, Myles Garrett, and Dexter Lawrence have been traded. Vita Vea of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could end up being the next player moved, as the star defensive lineman demanded a trade last month.
The 49ers immediately seemed like an ideal landing spot. Vea reportedly wants to return to the West Coast, and the 49ers are a contender who could use some help in the middle of the defensive line.
On Saturday, we found out that the 49ers actually did check in on Vea.
49ers Called Bucs to Inquire About Vea Trade
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, the 49ers were one of several teams to call the Bucs about a Vea trade.
"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."
It definitely makes sense that the 49ers are interested. Vea is one of the best defensive tackles in the league, and he's one of the few who is elite at run defense and rushing the passer.
In 2025, Vea played in 17 games and collected 34 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Vea earned a 72.8 PFF grade, which ranked 20th out of 134 qualified defensive tackles. Vea has two Pro Bowl selections on his resume and he's played in at least 14 games in each season since 2020.
Unfortunately, the Bucs may not be willing to move on from Vea even that's what the player wants.
"The Buccaneers continue to say internally they are not trading Vita Vea," Garafolo added.
If the 49ers are able to change the Buccaneers' minds, Vea would be a blockbuster addition. The 49ers are currently slated to start Alfred Collins and Osa Odighizuwa on the defensive line, but Collins was bad as a rookie and needs to take a major step forward in 2026.
Vea wouldn't come cheap, as the 49ers would have to give up significant draft capital and give him a hefty extension. The 49ers are trying to win a Super Bowl, though, and this could be the move that gets them over the hump.
