The Las Vegas Raiders made a lot of improvements to a roster that finished 3-14 last season but could get even better if they trade for Buccaneers DT Vita Vea.
The Las Vegas Raiders made a lot of moves to improve a last-place roster during the offseason and should take some huge steps toward playoff contention this year.
That’s not saying they should or will be in the playoffs this season, but new head coach Klint Kubiak will build a nice foundation for the team in his first year. Player development and stability are keys to a great season for the Raiders.
Las Vegas already has several franchise pillars in All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, All-Pro edge Maxx Crosby, dual-threat running back Ashton Jeanty and first-overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza but could be on their way to acquiring another.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea has reportedly requested a trade due to failed attempts at a contract extension, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Vea reported to mandatory minicamp but didn’t participate due to the contract dispute and the same is expected for training camp. This could be a ploy to get the Bucs to give in to his demands, but if Tampa Bay decides to grant his wish of a trade, the Raiders are a team to watch.
According to Ted Nguyen, senior writer for The Athletic, Vea prefers to go to a California team or Las Vegas; but because he doesn’t have a no-trade clause, he doesn’t really have a say in where he ends up.
Vea would be a huge addition to a Raiders defense that could use some interior help. Vea excels at stopping the run and would take a lot of pressure off Crosby, who often draws double-teams.
The Raiders’ starting nose tackle, Adam Butler, grades far worse than Vea as both a pass rusher and run stopper so taking a run at the 31-year-old veteran would elevate this team even more.
He’s in the final year of his contract and is set to make just under $18 million, so it would take a little bit of finagling the salary cap to bring him in, but it would be well worth it for a defense that couldn’t keep the other team off the scoreboard a season ago.
Vea is entering his ninth season in the National Football League and has dominated offensive lines even through double-teams: 35 sacks, 256 combined tackles (154 solo), 48 tackles for loss and 79 QB hits through 112 games.
According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, a trade package for the two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion would start with a second- and fifth-round pick.
