In the midst of OTAs and minicamps across the league, several players are sitting out for various reasons, most notably to demand new contracts. The Patriots are unfortunately dealing with that, too, as cornerback Christian Gonzalez is finally eligible for his first extension and didn't participate much in practice.
Beyond their own team, the Patriots have a few players to keep an eye on until their contract issues are resolved, since there is a chance that any of them could ultimately be traded. Perhaps the most noteworthy is defensive tackle Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion.
Considered one of the best at the position in the league, the 31-year-old is reportedly attending mandatory minicamp with the Bucs, but he is not participating. He is set to play on the final year of his current contract, which was signed in 2022, and is now asking for another extension.
Given his age, there are legitimate concerns about whether Tampa Bay will be willing to award him that kind of deal, especially since a player like Dexter Lawrence just received a massive new contract from the Bengals after the Giants traded him earlier this offseason.
That should put him squarely on the Patriots' radar, because the idea of adding a player like Vea to their defensive lineup is too good to pass up.
The Patriots have every reason to pay close attention to what's going on with Vita Vea and Tampa Bay
Although it might be a long shot for the Bucs to trade Vea in general, but especially before the start of the upcoming season, there's no reason for a team like the Patriots not to keep an eye on the ongoing situation, because anything can change in the NFL.
Even if there is only a sliver of a chance that Vea is moved, the Patriots have the cap space and room on the roster to make a move for him to put their defense over the top.
They already have an impressive duo in Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, but there are concerns about how the defensive line will do against the run, something Khyiris Tonga led last season.
That's a place where Vea shines, and he can easily step up in Tonga's absence, making him an even more desirable trade candidate. Those are aspects the Bucs will consider when making the decision about his future.
They know that plenty of teams across the league will be chomping at the bit to get Vea on their roster, and that means the Patriots would have some big competition to get a deal done. And because he has made it clear that he wants a new contract, that will be something Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel will have to evaluate, particularly since he's not the age they necessarily want in their rebuild.
Regardless, Vea is a playmaker and a proven leader who could make a massive difference for the Patriots' defense in 2026. If he somehow becomes available, they should get on the phone as soon as possible, even if a trade would be expensive.
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