Vea’s agent says trade is inevitable, 49ers positioned to act

Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, remains out of Buccaneers practice as he pushes for a new contract, and his agent Collin Roberts told one outlet that talks have yielded no progress, leaving a trade as the only realistic path. Football analyst Ted Nguyen, citing a source, indicated that Vea prefers either a California franchise or the Las Vegas Raiders, which elevates the San Francisco 49ers as a prime target.

The 49ers can satisfy Vea’s desire for a long-term commitment, a California homecoming, and a pivotal role in shoring up their interior pass rush, where they recorded 45 pressures in 2025, 44 of which came from Vea last season. With ample cap space of roughly $71.5 million, San Francisco could absorb his salary and negotiate an extension, while also bolstering a line dealing with injuries to Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins and Nick Bosa. Although Tampa Bay retains control of Vea’s rights, his agent now views a trade as unavoidable, and the 49ers appear uniquely equipped to meet his demands.