The San Francisco 49ers have confirmed they are in trade discussions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea. Vea, who is entering the final year of his contract, has reportedly requested a trade from the Buccaneers due to stalled contract negotiations.
According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, multiple teams, including the Bills, Bears, and 49ers, have inquired about Vea's availability. Vea himself reportedly prefers a trade to a team in California or the Las Vegas Raiders, making the 49ers a potentially attractive destination.
Vea did not participate in the Buccaneers' preseason opener and has been engaged in a hold-in since the start of training camp. His agent, Collin Roberts, stated that a departure via trade seems probable. However, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has publicly stated he has no plans to trade Vea.
The 49ers' interest in Vea is driven by the potential to significantly bolster their pass rush. In the 2025 season, Vea recorded 44 pressures on his own, while the 49ers' interior defensive linemen collectively generated 45 pressures. Vea's durability is also seen as an appealing factor for San Francisco, a team that has frequently dealt with injury concerns.
While the 49ers are actively pursuing Vea, a trade agreement ultimately depends on the Buccaneers' willingness to negotiate.