The San Francisco 49ers are poking around on the trade market for Tampa Bay Buccaneers star defensive tackle Vita Vea.
NFL Media's Mike Garafolo on Friday before the Buccaneers game vs. the New York Jets reported the 49ers are among the teams that have inquired with the Buccaneers about trading their disgruntled defensive lineman. The Chicago Bears and Buffalo Bills have also made calls per Garafolo.
Vea requested a trade when the Buccaneers reported for training camp and is holding in during training camp while he seeks a new deal. The average annual value on his current deal, which ends after this season, is $17.75 million according to Spotrac. Defensive tackles Jalen Carter, Quinnen Williams and Jeffrey Simmons all got contracts this offseason that pay them north of $35 million annually.
Garafolo reported there's no deal imminent between the Buccaneers and their 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler.
It makes sense the 49ers would be looking to bolster their pass rush with a player like Vea. He posted 4.5 sacks last season, but he racked up 51 pressures which tied for seventh among interior defensive linemen according to Pro Football Focus. Lining him up alongside Osa Odighizuwa (52 pressures last season) would give the 49ers added pass rush help in the event they struggle to stay healthy at defensive end again this season. DE Nick Bosa is already dealing with tendinitis in his knee while recovering from an ACL tear he suffered last season.
For now the Buccaneers aren't interested in trading Vea, but they also don't appear to be interested in negotiating a contract extension with their former first-round pick. This will be something the 49ers should keep a close eye on, and expect them to remain involved in any trade conversations that do happen.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers aggressive in trade market, called on star D-lineman per report