When news came out that Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea reportedly wanted out of Tampa Bay, 49ers fans immediately started salivating over the idea of inserting him into San Francisco’s defensive line.
Many thought he’d be a perfect fit on paper. He was born in Milpitas (fun fact: I lived in Milpitas the first five years of my life) and has been a solid defensive tackle for a long time. He’s made the Pro Bowl twice, and he’s 31 years old, so he would’ve been a great presence alongside Osa Odighizuwa on the defensive interior.
Careful readers may notice I’ve been using the past tense in this article, and that’s very intentional. He would have been a perfect fit because the dream of landing Vea has sailed after he worked things out with the Bucs and signed an extension that will keep him in Tampa Bay through 2027.
49ers unfortunately woke up from Vita Vea dream scenario
It always seemed like a long shot for the Niners to land him because of the money situation. It was never clear how they’d be able to sign him to a contract he’d be OK with, and the Niners probably felt the same way. So, odds are they didn’t seriously entertain any sort of deal unless general manager John Lynch made a call just out of due diligence.
It probably would have taken a big package to get it done. Probably a draft pick or two, and maybe even Alfred Collins, so the Bucs felt like they were getting a decent replacement at defensive tackle.
That would have been a lot to give up for a guy, and the 49ers are high on Alfred Collins, too. So, they are hoping he could turn into the next Vita Vea down the road.
Still, Vea would have been a fun addition if they could have gotten him. The Bay Area ties, combined with the fact there’s plenty of uncertainty around San Francisco’s D-line, made it seem like an ideal match.
Nick Bosa is dealing with some issues in his comeback from his ACL tear, and Mykel Williams is likely to miss the start of the regular season. They are both edge rushers, but it would make sense to try to beef up the interior if the guys on the edge aren’t at full strength.
Alas, the Niners are probably going to enter the season with the group they currently have on the defensive line.
Maybe the Vea dream can be renewed in the offseason, but for now, it will have to be put on the back burner.
Add us as a preferred source on Google