The Buffalo Bills have a sudden need along the interior of their defensive line following news that defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis will be suspended for the first three games of the 2026 NFL season. It remains to be seen how new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will tackle that concern, given that Mathis was one of the team’s clear-cut answers as a one-tech option.
A report by Mike Garafolo on Friday, August 14 ahead of the preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets has revealed that the Bills are among a group of three teams to have checked in with Tampa Bay’s front office about defensive tackle Vita Vea, and his availability as it relates to a potential trade.
Vea has asked the Buccaneers for a trade, but the team has been unwilling to meet his request. To this point in the offseason, Vea hasn’t practiced with the team and he won’t play in their first preseason game.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: Teams have checked on Vita Vea’s availability (the #Bills, #Bears and #49ers among them) but the #Buccaneers remain steadfast they’re not trading him and have kept the lines of communication open on a potential new deal. pic.twitter.com/V4tdIQt2Xy
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 14, 2026