News that Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea has demanded a trade got the speculative gears turning, including for the Los Angeles Rams, leading to a question for head coach Sean McVay.
The Rams garnered plenty of attention for their blockbuster offseason trades for Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie.
Vea could be the next high-profile addition.
Vita Vea Trade Idea Floated at Rams’ Sean McVay
McVay and the Rams just opened training camp, and they have plenty to sort through already without working through the logistics of adding Vea. Despite that, Vea in an undeniable talent as a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion.
However, McVay pumped the brakes on the idea.
The Rams have starting DTs Kobie Turner, who is in the final year of his contract, and Braden Fiske, who will be extension eligible.
“He’s a stud,” McVay told Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” on July 27 before stumbilng to find his words. “I think that he is a great player that’s always been a problem to game plan against. But I think we feel good about our group right now.”
McVay and Adams joked Vea could run the ball, a nod to his rugby background.
However, McVay noted the Rams have two backs–Kyren Williams and Blake Corum–who they are already high on.
The most telling comments McVay made during the exchange were not a statement, but rather a question, as the Super Bowl-winning head coach asked Adams, “He requested a trade, huh?” as their time together came to an end.
Vea is seeking a new contract. He is in the final year of a four-year, $71 million pact.
Rams Already Have Plans to Add Super Bowl Champion DT
GettyThe Los Angeles Rams have already started pursuing another star DT.
The Rams are already looking to add a Super Bowl champion to their defensive line in Aaron Donald, who retired after the 2023 season but has entertained playing again in 2026. That does not mean Vea would not still be of use to the Rams.
“The Rams should trade for Vita Vea for no other reason besides my desire to see him and Aaron Donald lined up next to one another,” ESPN’s Ben Solak posted on X on July 27
The Rams already have reigning and two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.
Adding Vea to that would surely cost the Rams one of their other front-line members, but they would be an extremely difficult matchup for even the best offensive lines. That is, if the Buccaneers even get close to executing a trade.
As it stands, Vea is expected to show up for training camp. It remains unclear how much he plans to participate without a new deal in place, though.
Building super teams has rarely worked in the NFL.
However, many of the Rams’ best players are home-grown like wide receiver Puka Nacua or in the latter stages of their careers like Davante Adams and reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. That could bode well for their hopes of busting the trend of letdown super squads.
Adding another talent like Vea could be an even better hedge against that history.
Sean McVay Speaks on Potential Rams Trade For Vita Vea