While most Chicago Bears fans might be more focused on checking out the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, general manager Ryan Poles is trying to make some things happen behind the scenes.
It was reported at the beginning of training camp that Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea had requested a trade from the team. Of course, Bears fans were calling for Poles to pick up the phone and call about bringing Vea to Chicago.
Well, he ended up taking up that advice because NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo reported that the Bears were one of three teams that called about Vea. The Buccaneers have stuck with the idea of keeping Vea and trying to work out a new contract before resorting to a trade.
Could Ryan Poles actually get Vita Vea to Chicago to be a Bears player in 2026?
Vea has been one of the NFL's best defensive tackles, putting together two Pro Bowl seasons in his career. Last year, Pro Football Focus graded him out as the 20th-best interior defensive lineman with an overall grade of 72.8. He also added a pass-rush grade of 77.0 and a run-defense grade of 62.5.
This trade would solve Chicago's pass-rushing issues from last year. The Bears had only 35 sacks last season, and six teams had fewer.
What did the Bears do about that in the offseason? Pretty much nothing. They didn't add a single new edge rusher and signed three backup tackles in free agency, along with drafting Jordan van den Berg in the sixth round.
Gervon Dexter Sr. is a very good defensive tackle, but veteran Grady Jarrett seems to be past his prime after a down 2025 season. To say the Bears need a defensive tackle is an understatement.
Vea gives the Bears one of the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the NFL and might be able to get a good deal on him in a trade. The Buccaneers most likely wouldn't want a first-round pick for him, but maybe a couple of players with a lower-end draft pick could get it done.
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Poles is showing initiative, which is great because he's shown very little of it this offseason outside of calling about Maxx Crosby. If Poles can land Vea, Bears fans could forgive him for a too-quiet offseason.
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