The Buffalo Bills might be thinking big. Really big. As in 347 pounds big. The Bills are among several teams that have called the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about defensive tackle Vita Vea, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Garafolo reported that the Bills, Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers are among the teams that have called Tampa Bay to see if the Buccaneers are interested in trading Vea. The problem is the Buccaneers say they aren't trading him. Vea requested a trade in July amid a contract dispute with Tampa Bay. The 31-year-old is entering the final year of the four-year, $71 million extension he signed in 2022. Vea's contract has fallen well behind the top of the defensive tackle market. He is scheduled to make $18 million in 2026, including a $17 million base salary that isn't guaranteed. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter agreed last month to an extension worth $38 million per year. Vea hasn't been practicing during training camp amid the contract dispute and didn't play in Tampa Bay's first preseason game. "It's clear Vea is upset," Garafolo said Friday on NFL Network. "My understanding is that there has been communication between the sides. A deal is not imminent."
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 The Bills suddenly have a little more uncertainty in the middle of their defensive line. Phidarian Mathis was suspended for the first three games of the regular season Friday for violating the NFL's Substances of Abuse Policy. Mathis had been making a push for a roster spot throughout training camp as a rotational piece in new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard's 3-4 scheme.
Vea would be a much different addition. The No. 12 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has spent his entire eight-year career with Tampa Bay. He has 256 tackles, 35 sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 112 games. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2024. Vea also helped Tampa Bay win Super Bowl LV. Buffalo has approximately $10.6 million in salary cap space, 24th in the NFL, according to Over the Cap. Vea is looking for a new contract while entering the final year of his current deal. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bills reportedly inquire about trade for Pro Bowl defensive tackle