Everybody has been focused on one thing this offseason. That is fixing the Chicago Bears‘ pass rush. In their minds, this was by far the team’s biggest weakness. One can understand this mindset. The team was 31st in the NFL with 104 total pressures. However, context is needed for this. Yes, part of the problem was that the team didn’t have the best lineup of rushers outside of Montez Sweat. Several guys were hurt, including Austin Booker and Dayo Odeyingbo. That said, it is difficult to rush the quarterback when your defense also can’t stop the run. Chicago was 27th last season. They were worst in the league at forcing 3rd down because of this. They didn’t really do much to fix it in the offseason, either. Enter Vita Vea.
The giant nose tackle has become a dominant force for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent years. They have ranked 5th, 4th, and 5th against the run in each of the last three seasons. Vea is a primary reason for that due to his ability to eat up double teams in the middle. Now the 31-year-old wants a new contract. He only has one year left on his current deal. Tampa Bay has been reluctant to give him one. As a result, the two-time Pro Bowler has officially requested a trade.
Vita Vea should be a target if the price is right.
Obviously, as a football team, you must be careful about what you’re willing to give up. The Bears not only have to acquire the player, which will cost draft capital, but also a contract extension to ensure he’s happy. Projections range anywhere from a 2nd round pick to a couple of mid-round picks for a player like this. He’s still at the top of his game, but is expensive and is in his 30s. For someone who is 350 lbs, that matters. Tampa Bay is reluctant to pay him for a reason. They know the risk of a drop-off is getting bigger each year.
Still, the Bears absolutely should be involved in this. Vita Vea isn’t just any normal nose tackle. He is the best in the NFL and has been for years. His body type might not be typical for Dennis Allen’s defense, but even he isn’t dumb enough to turn his nose up at what Vea can do. There is no shortage of creative packages the Bears defensive coordinator can craft, knowing the middle is impossible to attack on the ground. That is why Todd Bowles always feels so comfortable blitzing.
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Will Vea get traded?
Conventional wisdom says no. Asking for a trade is a common negotiating tactic these days. Vea knows this is his last opportunity to land a favorable contract and feels he has leverage. He knows how much he means to the Bucs’ defense. Losing him would make an average-at-best unit significantly worse. Putting the trade request out there immediately applies public pressure on the organization. In these situations, something usually gets worked out before the start of the season.
That said, the possibility is there. Trades happen all the time. If Tampa Bay isn’t willing to up their offer, especially with Baker Mayfield’s extension to worry about, they may just bite the bullet and send him elsewhere. The tricky part for Chicago is that they aren’t swimming in draft picks or cap space. They must be willing to sacrifice both to get Vea. He is good enough to drastically improve their team. That said, his age makes him a difficult sell for a general manager like Ryan Poles.
