The San Francisco 49ers have never been shy about making moves to keep their roster competitive, and that’s why it’s not surprising that they could be looking to add Vita Vea to their defensive front before the regular season begins.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Niners are among several teams that have contacted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers about the veteran defensive tackle, who would be a significant addition to the defense. The Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears are also among the teams that have checked in on the two-time Pro Bowler, who requested a trade this offseason amid a contract dispute with Tampa Bay.
At this point, the Buccaneers have been reluctant to actively shop Vea and remain committed to keeping him on the roster as long as he’s under contract. But given he’s unhappy with his current deal and isn’t participating in camp, at some point the pressure Vea is applying could result in Tampa Bay having its hand forced.
And for San Francisco, this would be a great move on multiple fronts.
The Niners are ready to enter the season with Osa Odighizuwa and Alfred Collins playing primary snaps on the interior defensive line, but Vea would make that group even more disruptive. He’s been one of the best players at his position throughout his career and is the type of interior defensive lineman who can impact both the run game and get to the quarterback.
Just last season, Vea played all 17 games with Tampa Bay, finishing with 34 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. That type of production from the middle of the defensive line could make a major difference for San Francisco.
Of course, the contract situation is a major part of this. Vea is set to make a $17 million base salary this season, and his desire for an extension and a new contract is what’s created this situation with Tampa Bay and why he may even be available at all.
But the fact that San Francisco has already made the call is notable.
The Niners are playing in undoubtedly one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, going up against a Seattle Seahawks team that just won the Super Bowl and a Los Angeles Rams team with championship expectations of its own.
If Vea actually becomes available and San Francisco has a realistic opportunity to get him, the Niners should absolutely make it happen.