Bears pursue Vita Vea to strengthen defensive line
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 16, 2026, 11:00 AM
Last updated Aug 16, 2026
The Chicago Bears are reportedly interested in acquiring Vita Vea from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to improve their pass rush and run defense. Following a lackluster performance last season, where they ranked 22nd in sacks, the Bears aim to address these deficiencies. Vea, frustrated with his current team's contract situation, has asked for a trade and is being pursued by several teams, including the Bears, Buffalo Bills, and San Francisco 49ers. However, the Buccaneers have stated they are not willing to trade him at this time.
- •Bears ranked 22nd in the NFL with 35 sacks last season.
- •Vea is frustrated with contract issues at Tampa Bay.
- •Bears, Bills, and 49ers are showing interest in Vea.
- •Buccaneers insist they are not willing to trade Vea.
- •Acquiring Vea would bolster both pass rush and run defense.
- 11:00 AMYahoo Sports — Bears Reportedly Checking on Availability of Super Bowl Champion
"Chicago targets a Super Bowl champion to ignite a stagnant pass rush and bolster a porous run defense as the disgruntled Buccaneers star reportedly seeks a fresh start.
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