NFL Network: Vita Vea Is “Upset;” Bills, Bears And 49ers Among Teams Wanting Vea Via Trade
August 14th, 2026

The Joe typing here has said many times that the Vita Vea contract saga is destined to end in a trade if the rest of the Buccaneers’ defensive line and key edge rushers remain healthy through August.

Vea requested a trade weeks ago. He wants out. He could have just said he’s holding in (or out), but Vea took it a giant step further. Why? Because the Bucs won’t give him the contract extension and raise he wants.

So why keep Vea if he’s so darn unhappy and a nice trade return is on the table? Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht is no fool.

Tonight, NFL Network reporter/insider Mike Garofolo was on scene at the Bucs-Jets preseason game and issued a report on Vea. Twice Garofolo said Vea is “upset.” Not once did Garofolo mention the back injury Vea allegedly has, the one nobody believes he suffered two-plus weeks ago, and the one that’s allegedly keeping him from practicing.

In the Friday video below, Garofolo reports the Bills, Bears and 49ers, among other teams, have contacted the Bucs about Vea. Garofolo adds that Licht doesn’t want to trade Vea. Whether that’s true or not is unclear.

Joe is confident Licht won’t get caught with his pants down. He’ll wait to see how healthy his front-7 emerges from the preseason. If there are injuries, the Bucs are likely to keep Vea and wait out his 2026 return. Vea would lose more than $1 million per game if he chooses not to play in the regular season.

But if the front-7 survives the summer healthy and deep, then look for Licht to be content accepting a second-round pick for Vea. If that many teams want him, that probably will be the price tag.

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

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