Last week, a player that would most certainly fill a need on the Chicago Bears roster requested a trade, when former All-Pro defensive tackle Vita Vea made his intentions known to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A two-time All-Pro, Vea had contract negotiations stall with Tampa Bay, who also has quarterback Baker Mayfield’s contract to resolve, leaving the door open for a potential trade of Vea.
Once the news broke of Vea’s trade request, there began conversations around the NFL of which teams would be the best fit, as several fanbases also chimed in wanting their team to acquire the All-Pro. Kevin Patra of NFL.com released his top landing spots for Vea if the Buccaneers do indeed take calls for a trade, listing the Bears as one of the teams that make the most sense, especially considering their desperate need on the defensive line.
Chicago spent the offseason mostly ignoring its need up front. While the Bears did add a couple of rotational defensive tackles, they’re counting heavily on a Grady Jarrett bounce-back season. Swinging for Vea would fill the hole. 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. 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.
There is no denying that the Bears need help on the defensive line, especially at defensive tackle where they have to rely heavily on Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett, with not much depth behind them.
A potential trade for Vea would certainly demand a new contract, as well, but could be worth the price to pay considering that the defensive line continues to be a discussed weak point on the defensive side of the football for the Bears.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears listed as top landing spot for Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
