Bears emerge as landing spot for Bucs want-away star Vita Vea

The Chicago Bears have been named as a potential destination for Vita Vea.

Vea grabbed headlines on Monday after it was reported that he requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran nose tackle has established himself as one of the top players at his position.

He entered the NFL as the No. 12 overall pick in 2018 out of Washington. Vea earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2016 and was a first-team All-Pac-12 selection the following year. His success continued in the NFL, winning the Super Bowl in 2021 and being named a Pro Bowler twice.

Vea has already garnered interest from several teams as he has championship experience and continues to play at a high level. His 6-foot-4 and 347-pound frame will also bolster a team’s defensive line, particularly a Super Bowl contender.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea (50) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles.

Chicago Bears are a potential landing spot for Vita Vea

A lot of teams would benefit with Vea in their lineup. However, NFL.com’s Kevin Patra published his list of eight potential landing spots. One of them is the Bears, which entered the offseason with holes to fill at different positions.

“Swinging for Vea would fill the hole,” Patra wrote. “The veteran’s ability to stuff the run is exactly what a soft Bears middle needs, and the attention he’d take on passing downs would help open up one-on-ones.

“(Chicago general manager) Ryan Poles hasn’t been shy about taking gambles in the past. After not doing enough to upgrade the D-line throughout the spring, he could fix the problem in one big move.”

The Bears instead prioritized their secondary with the addition of safeties Coby Bryant and Dillon Thieneman. They added some veteran defensive tackles, but Vea’s potential signing could turn the D-line into one of the premier units in the league.

It is unclear if Poles will make a move. However, the possible acquisition could wait until after training camp, especially if Vea is in good shape.