Contract talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be ‘resolved,’ but don’t let that fool anyone: veteran defensive tackle Vita Vea is still right smack in the middle of trade speculation. ESPN’s Dan Graziano just dropped a bombshell, straight up naming Vea as a “sleeper name” who could absolutely be on the move before the November 10th deadline. This isn’t just chatter, folks, it’s a real possibility for one of the league’s top interior D-linemen.
Vea’s Price Tag and Performance: Is He Worth the Gamble?
So, what’s the deal with Vea? He’s signed through the 2027 campaign, and he’s set to make a hefty $23 million next season. Graziano straight up said that deal means the Bucs “came short of guaranteeing Vea as part of their long-term future,” which is a wild quote for a guy of his caliber. At 31, he’s still a force, racking up 13 tackles and three quarterback hits while playing 73 percent of the Bucs’ defensive snaps this season. Tampa Bay is off to a brutal 1-5 start, and when a team is struggling like that, big names start looking expendable. Graziano’s question is blunt: “If you need interior D-line help right now and don’t mind paying Vea $23 million next season at age 32, why not call to see what it would take to get him out of Tampa?” That’s a serious question for any contender looking for a huge boost up front.
Other ‘Sleeper’ Names Heating Up the Trade Block
But Vea isn’t the only ‘sleeper’ name flying around. Graziano also mentioned Wyatt Teller and Riq Woolen as “potentially available.” Teller, in his ninth NFL season and first with the Texans (2-4), is also locked up through 2027. He’s allowed just one sack on 142 offensive snaps, per PFF. Then there’s Woolen, the 27-year-old Eagles cornerback (2-4), who’s playing on an expiring deal. He’s allowed 15 catches while playing almost every defensive snap. Think about that: a young, talented corner on an expiring contract, playing for a struggling team. That’s a formula for a move, no doubt.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler chimed in too, speculating about Alontae Taylor and Jessie Bates III. Even though Fowler doesn’t think the Titans are “floating” Taylor as a target, he could be “expendable” after getting benched in Week 6. Taylor, 27, signed a massive three-year, $58 million deal this offseason, only to be a healthy scratch before the Titans finally got their first win. Talk about a rough start to a big contract. Fowler also reported that while he doubts the Falcons *want* to trade former Pro Bowler Jessie Bates III after their 2-4 start, “his value would be strong if that changes.” Bates, 29, is another big-time player on an expiring contract, putting up 31 tackles, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, and even a fumble returned for a touchdown through six games. These guys could be huge for a team willing to make a play.
The Clock’s Ticking: Who Makes The Play?
The window to make NFL trades is slamming shut on November 10th. It’s getting real, real fast. Bleacher Report’s latest trade block big board is already ranking names like Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack, Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., and Eagles guard Landon Dickerson as the top three most likely players to move. But honestly, it’s these ‘sleeper’ targets, especially a guy like Vea with his contract situation, that could really shake things up. Will a contender step up and pay the price? You better believe every team needing a boost is watching these next few weeks closer than ever. This deadline is going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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