The NFL trade market is heating up with the Nov. 10 deadline fast approaching, and teams are already going all in to strengthen their roster or collect valuable draft capital. The biggest deal yet came on Thursday with the Tennessee Titans sending four-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears in a deal that included two first-round picks. Earlier this week, the Seattle Seahawks acquired Indianapolis Colts' All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson and the San Francisco 49ers traded for Indy's star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Now, another elite defensive tackle could be on the move: Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Vita Vea. According to NFL insider Easton Butler, the Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals have again contacted the Bucs about Vea, suggesting interest in the two-time Pro Bowler has picked up again as teams look to strengthen their defensive lines. More news: Titans Make Blockbuster Trade With Bears for All-Pro Defensive Star Tampa enters Week 8 at 2-5 and tied for last place in the NFC South.
That leaves them with an important decision about whether to keep their veteran core together or consider offers for players who could help them build for the future. The Bucs' recent 43-13 win over the Carolina Panthers was encouraging, but this still doesn't feel like a team that's ready to compete for a Super Bowl anytime soon. Vea's future has already been a talking point this year.
He requested a trade in July after contract talks stalled, but the sides eventually reached a one-year, $30 million extension in August that keeps him under contract through the 2027 season. That deal eased the immediate dispute, although it hasn't stopped his name from popping up in trade rumors with the deadline looming. More news: Former Ravens Coach Believes Team Could Be Heading Toward a Major Shakeup More news: NFL Forces Eagles’ Saquon Barkley to Give up Stake in Polarizing Business The Packers have a clear reason to look for help inside after defensive tackle Javon Hargrave suffered a season-ending Achilles injury, while Warren Brinson and Jonathan Ford are also on injured reserve.
Cincinnati, meanwhile, ranks 21st in total yards allowed (346.7 per game), and has dealt with injuries at the position as well. Vea's run-stopping ability and experience could be valuable for a Bengals team eyeing a deep playoff run. It's still unclear whether the Bucs are willing to part with Vea after just agreeing to keep him around for another year.
But if Green Bay, Cincinnati, or another contender is willing to pay up for the 31-year-old tackle, it might be enough to pull him out of Tampa.
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