Vita Vea could be 49ers' response to Rams' frightening arms race

Vita Vea’s trade request could put the San Francisco 49ers in direct talks with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, NFL Network reported. Vea asked for a move after extension negotiations stalled and is entering the final year of his contract with a $17 million base salary. The 49ers would gain a proven interior disruptor for a unit they ranked poorly in last season’s pressure metrics: San Francisco’s defensive tackles combined for 45 pressures in 2025, good for 25th, while their 7.76% pressure rate ranked 31st. Vea produced 44 pressures on 479 snaps (4.5 sacks, 31 hurries) with a 9.19% pressure rate. His ability to collapse pockets and absorb double teams is presented as an immediate fit, with durability also noted.