Bears Reportedly Checking on Availability of Super Bowl Champion

The Chicago Bears had a problem on the defensive line last years, in more ways than one.  For one, they couldn't get after the quarterback at an efficient rate. The Bears managed just 35 sacks as a team last year, which ranked 22nd in the NFL.  Montez Sweat had 10 sacks, but then there was little to no depth in the pass rush. Dayo Odeyingbo was supposed to have a bigger role but suffered an Achilles injury and missed the second half of the season.  Austin Booker and Gervon Dexter finished with more than four sacks each, but it wasn't enough to turn the Bears' pass rush into a competent unit. When C.J. Gardner-Johnson (3) has more sacks than Grady Jarrett (1.5), that's usually not a good sign.  The interior of the defensive line also struggled to contain opposing running backs. The Bears allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game last year (134.5).  Luckily, there's a player available who could help the Bears' pass rush and rush defense. Vita Vea has grown increasingly frustrated with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over a pending contract extension and requested a trade earlier in the offseason.  It looks like the Bears are among the NFL teams pursuing a trade for Vea, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Garafolo reported that the Bears, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers have all asked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about the status of Vea for a potential trade.  Garafolo mentioned that the Buccaneers have been adamant about how they are not willing to trade Vea.  "My understanding is there has been communication between the sides," Garafolo said. "A deal is not imminent. Teams have called the Buccaneers to see if they're interested in trading him. Amongst them, I'm told is the Bills, the Bears, the 49ers, and there are a few others as well, but the Buccaneers continue to say internally that they are not trading Vita Vea."  Vea has proven throughout his career that he is an effective pass rusher and run stopper. His career high in sacks was seven in 2024, and he also accounted for 42 total tackles and 10 TFLs that year as he made the Pro Bowl.  Vea won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2020 and now wants to go to a contender like the Bears, Bills, 49ers and others.  If you've been paying attention to the extensions that have been handed out to defensive tackles this offseason, it makes sense why Vea wants to be paid the money he deserves.  The Bears can address two issues with their defensive line if they acquire Vea in a trade. He should be of the utmost priority.