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Dec 7, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) runs on the field during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
While there are some lulls in action, some would argue that the NFL really is a year-round sport. And honestly, when following the latest NFL trade rumors, it sometimes does feel like teams such as the Los Angeles Rams never truly stop evaluating their roster.
After all, the Rams are already viewed, in the eyes of many, as Super Bowl favorites since they added the NFL’s reigning Defensive Player of the Year to a group that already reached the NFC’s Conference Championship last season.
But now the Rams are being linked with another blockbuster trade. Sometimes it feels like life just isn’t fair.
NFL Trade Rumors Link Rams to Pro Bowl DT
Don’t the Rams have enough talent? The truth is, while some may view the Rams as Super Bowl favorites, the road still runs through the actual defending champions: the Seattle Seahawks. In other words, nothing is guaranteed, especially in a highly competitive NFC West division.
Just because Rams general manager Les Snead may feel like his team looks good on paper after acquiring Garrett, it doesn’t mean he’s not trying to add even more talent. Just look at the team’s relentless pursuit of recruiting Aaron Donald to come out of retirement as one example.
Now, Vita Vea, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, wants a trade. Entering a contract year, Vea’s camp hasn’t seen eye-to-eye with the Bucs’ front office on his value, and now he wants to get paid, period.
As a result of Vea’s trade request, CBS Sports’ Carter Bahns outlined some landing spots for the 31-year-old DT. That’s when he came up with the Rams as a potential destination too.
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“The Los Angeles Rams are already loaded with defensive talent, but the fact that they continue to kick the tires on a reunion with Aaron Donald says everything about their desire to add beef to the trenches,” Bahns wrote.
“If Donald does not come out of retirement, Vea would be the next-best thing to pair with the otherworldly pass-rushing talent on the edge in Myles Garrett. This is a franchise that wants to push all its chips forward for a Super Bowl push in 2026, and a Vea trade is on brand for that kind of effort. Plus, like Las Vegas, this landing spot brings Vea close to his roots in the Golden State.”
While many are anticipating Donald to come out of retirement and re-join the Rams, that’s no sure thing for the 35-year-old. Plus, he’s spent two full seasons out of football, and Vea has a much more recent track record.
In fact, just last season, Vea had a respectable PFN Impact Score of 78.6, which was good enough for 25th among DTs. His 80 pass-rush score placed Vea in a five-way tie for 15th. Vea’s 76 score as a run defender is where he slacked a bit, but even that ranked 30th among defensive tackles.
Add it all up, and there’s a reason he’s a two-time Pro Bowler. The question is what would it take to pry him away from Tampa Bay?
Plus, how much money is he looking to make, and can the Rams afford to pay him while knowing they have other tough contract negotiations around the corner (Puka Nacua is on an expiring deal)?
Either way, the prospect of the Rams potentially adding Vea in the middle of a defense that already features Garrett is one that should have fans excited.
But actually pulling off such a move may be more difficult, though Snead’s never been known to back down from a challenge, especially if it’s for a player he really wants.
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