Chargers safety Derwin James made his pitch for Pro Bowl nose tackle Vita Vea after the first day of training camp.
James appeared on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams and said he’s all for the Chargers possibly adding Vea.
“You wanna come? Come on man,” James said.
“I’m all for it. It increases your chances. The more guys you have who can make plays, I’m always for it.
Vea requested a trade from the Buccaneers on Monday after contract negotiations stalled. The Chargers have been named as a possible destination, as he prefers to play for a California team or the Raiders.
The 31-year-old is set to enter the final year of his current four-year deal worth $71 million. Vea will make a base salary of $17 million for the season, but none of it is guaranteed.
Vea is frustrated by the lack of financial security beyond the current season, which played a part in the trade request.
The Buccaneers selected Vea with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Los Angeles selected James five picks after Vea was selected in 2018.
In eight seasons in Tampa, Vea helped lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl title. He’s recorded elite numbers in his tenure, tallying 256 total tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 79 quarterback hits, 35 sacks, nine passes defended and three forced fumbles in 112 games.
The Chargers struggled mightily with creating pressure along the interior last season. The potential addition of Vea could fix that issue in a flash, and James is all for that.
This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Derwin James recruits Vita Vea to Chargers after trade request
Reporting by Ricardo Sandoval , Chargers Wire / Chargers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ricardo Sandoval , Chargers Wire | USA TODAY Network
