The San Francisco 49ers could be a target to land former Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Vita Vea. Vea, 31, has been reportedly linked to the Niners as a trade candidate after he recently requested to be moved from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in July. The eight-year NFL veteran is in the final year of a $18 million contract and could be due for a payday. NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported that Vea is looking to get in the $30 million range for his next contract. However, Tampa Bay has not shown any urgency in cashing out on Vea or trading him. In response, Vea has not participated in the Buccaneers' practices and sat out their preseason 24-16 win against the New York Jets. "[Vea] 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," Garafolo explained on NFL GameDay Kickoff. "A few other guys that he feels his production is comparable with also getting deals in the $30-plus million range." Over the last two years, Vea has mounted 11.5 sacks and 101 pressures. By comparison, over the same duration, Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tallied 109 pressures and 16 sacks. Dallas Cowboys' nose tackle Quinnen Williams racked up 8.5 sacks and 116 pressures. Philadelphia Eagles inside tackle Jalen Carter put up 7.5 sacks and 94 pressures, while Cincinnati Bengals d-lineman Dexter Lawrence totaled 9.5 sacks and 70 pressures. All mentioned, except Vea, earn an annual salary of at least $25 million, up to $35 million. "My understanding is there has been communication between the sides," Garafolo said on the NFL Network. "A deal is not imminent. Teams have called the Buccaneers to see if they're interested in trading him. Among them, I'm told, are 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." .oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
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