Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle asked out after failed attempts at a contract extension, according to his agent Collin Roberts.
Vea is entering the final year of the four-year deal he signed in 2022 and is set to earn $18 million this season.
There is no guarantee the Buccaneers honor the request, but whichever team acquires him would presumably need to be open to signing him to a new deal. Here are the top landing spots.
New York Giants
The Giants are the most logical fit.
After trading away star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II ahead of the draft, New York has a massive hole on the interior that signings like DJ Reader, Shelby Harris, and Leki Fotu have not fully filled.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Buccaneers star DT Vita Vea's preferred destinations are the 49ers, Chargers, Rams, and Raiders.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 28, 2026
"He wants to go to a California team or the Raiders," per @FB_FilmAnalysis
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/l2VkX6aUoJ
Vea brings a similar skill set to Lawrence and could be acquired at a lower price, immediately restoring firepower to the middle of the defense.
A deal could potentially involve Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has been in trade rumors all offseason.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have been searching for an impact defensive lineman all offseason and never quite got it done.
Chicago had a poor rushing defense last season and is counting heavily on a Grady Jarrett bounce-back, so adding Vea would fill an obvious hole.
Vita Vea Next Team Odds, via BetOnline:
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) July 28, 2026
Rams +100
Chargers +200
49ers +400
Raiders +600
Lions +800
Commanders +1000
Texans +1200
Patriots +1400
Seahawks +1800
Ravens +2000
Bills +2500
Broncos +3300
Packers +3300
Titans +3300
Falcons +4000
Colts +4000
Steelers +4000
Panthers… pic.twitter.com/trsZ3wiONw
His ability to stuff the run is exactly what the soft Bears middle needs, and the attention he draws on passing downs would open up one-on-ones for the rest of the front.
GM Ryan Poles has not been shy about taking gambles in the past.
Las Vegas Raiders
Vea is rumored to have interest in the Raiders, and the fit could work.
While Las Vegas is building around a young core, it still needs a veteran presence on the interior defensive line to become more competitive, and Vea would provide exactly that.
The Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers have also been floated as possibilities, with Buffalo needing help up the gut and the Chargers looking to go from excellent to elite on defense.
Vea, 31, posted 34 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 13 quarterback hits across 17 games last season, and losing him would significantly weaken Tampa Bay's run defense.
The Buccaneers now face a decision on whether to pay up or cash in, but if they move him, several contenders are ready to pounce.
