After missing out on Maxx Crosby, Chicago must pivot to Tampa Bay’s powerhouse tackle to anchor a struggling defensive line and transform one of the league’s weakest run defenses.
For most of the offseason, Chicago Bears fans hoped and prayed that the team would land Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
After his fallout with the Raiders, the Bears had a unique opportunity to land him potentially. At the end of the day, the Bears didn't do enough to persuade him, and he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens.
However, Crosby failed his physical, and the Ravens got their first-round picks back after backing out of the trade. Crosby suffered a meniscus injury last season and was not able to complete the physical.
As it stands, he is playing for the Raiders this season.
While Crosby didn't end up with the Bears, he may not have been as healthy as people initially thought. This could be a blessing in disguise for Chicago.
Now, the Bears have another chance at landing elite defensive line talent.
On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea had requested a trade.
It didn't take long for Bears fans to start campaigning for General Manager Ryan Poles to make a trade. The franchise posted vintage training camp photos on its X account, and a good portion of the replies were Bears fans talking about bringing Vea to the Windy City.
It's no secret that the Bears' pass rush needs all the help it can get. Chicago ranked 22nd with 35 sacks last year. Montez Sweat had a great year, but wasn't able to carry the burden of the pass rush on his own.
Dayo Odeyingbo got hurt halfway through the year, and Shemar Turner hardly made it a few games before tearing his ACL. The pass rush was then in the hands of Austin Booker and Gervon Dexter.
Booker and Dexter are exciting young talents, but they aren't developed enough to impact the pass rush on their own.
While Vea's sack numbers don't stand out, he was still able to record 4.5 sacks last season. Having an interior defensive lineman who could get to the quarterback is extremely valuable.
If the Bears don't consider him for that reason alone, they need to because of how he impacts the running game.
Everyone likes to talk about the lack of sack production, which is valid. The rush defense was a major weakness, too.
Chicago allowed the sixth-most rushing yards per game (134.5) last season. Andrew Billings is no longer on the team, and Dexter is a budding player who could use veteran leadership.
Grady Jarrett hasn't lived up to his contract with the Bears yet, so bringing in Vea could be a win-win situation.
The Bears barely addressed the defensive line in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. They added Neville Gallimore in free agency, a rotational player with the Indianapolis Colts, and selected Georgia Tech defensive tackle Jordan Van Den Berg in the draft.
Gallimore will bolster the interior of the defensive line, but he's not a game-wrecker. Van Den Berg is a promising player but is an unproven rookie.
Bringing in Vea could help with two problems that the Bears have on the defensive line. He can affect opposing quarterbacks and running backs.
If the Bears are serious about wanting to compete for a Super Bowl, they need to really consider trading for Vea. It may take a couple of first-round picks to get him, but that's the price you pay for elite talent in the NFL.
Ryan Poles, let's make it happen.
