The San Francisco 49ers were previously named a logical fit for Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive star Vita Vea, who requested a trade after negotiations in contract talks stalled.
It appears the 49ers are trying to turn their rumored interested in trading for Vea a reality.
According to NFL insider Mike Garafolo, a number of teams have checked on Vea’s availability, including the 49ers.
“Teams have called the Buccaneers to see if they’re interested in trading (Vea). Amongst them I’m told is the Bills, the Bears, the 49ers and there are a few others as well,” Garafolo said on NFL Game Day Kickoff ahead of the Buccaneers’ preseason opener against the New York Jets.
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
Vea didn’t play in the preseason opener Friday and has engaged in a hold-in since the start of training camp. The Pro Bowl nose tackle reportedly hopes to join a California team or the Las Vegas Raiders, which places the 49ers as a preferred destination for Vea.
Rumors surrounding a trade reached their peak when Vea’s agent, Collin Roberts, said the contract saga between his client and the Buccaneers would almost certainly result in a departure.
“I just don’t see it ending in anything but a trade at this point,” Roberts told the Tampa Bay Times earlier this month.
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General manager Jason Licht quickly followed those remarks by issuing a response of his own.
“I have no plans on trading Vita,” Licht said.
The 49ers would certainly benefit with the addition of Vea, who would immediately bolster the team’s pass rush. Last season, 49ers interior defensive lineman generated 45 combined pressures. Vea recorded 44 pressures alone in 2025.
Moreover, for a team that notoriously deals with injury issues, Vea’s durability is likely an enticing factor for the 49ers to strike a trade with Tampa.
All in all, it’s now been confirmed the 49ers are in the mix for Vea. But the Buccaneers will have to budge if San Francisco wants to add the two-time Pro Bowler to the roster.