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AFC Powerhouse Named in Potential Blockbuster Vita Vea Trade
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Star defensive lineman Vita Vea is in the midst of a holdout from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following a reported trade demand amid tense contract talks.
With Vea potentially on the move, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler revealed the five potential landing spots and why they fit with a potential blockbuster trade. Among the five contenders was the New England Patriots, who made a surprise run to the Super Bowl last season.
"The Patriots are a fit due to their 3-4 defensive front and considerable cap space, as they have nearly $35 million remaining for 2026. Above all else, New England truly needs an edge rusher," Fowler reported .
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"But there aren't ready-made solutions available at that spot. So, the next best thing would be to locate a disruptor inside to pair with Milton Williams," he said. The Patriots feel their roster is better now than it was last season, when they represented the AFC in Super Bowl LX. Getting one more high-quality defensive piece would reinforce that feeling."
The Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers were named the other possible landing spots for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Fowler reported that contracts talks between Vea and the Buccaneers have gone "nowhere" while his $18 million salary this season sits well below what Dexter Lawrence landed in a new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals after being traded by the New York Giants ($28 million).
Vea's 65.6% double-team rate ranks ninth among all NFL players.
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