Jets could capitalize on Buccaneers' murky Vita Vea situation

The New York Jets aren't a team with a lot of star power right now. They've got several players who have the potential to be stars, but no proven Pro Bowl-caliber players aside from wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

That's by design. General manager Darren Mougey cut ties with defensive cornerstones Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at last year's trade deadline for future draft capital, and in turn, for hopeful future stars.

But the Jets, and head coach Aaron Glenn, face a bit of a dilemma entering 2026. Glenn needs to win next season if he wants to keep his job, and it's unclear if the roster is ready to compete, despite their veteran additions this offseason.

Could the Jets mortgage some of that future draft capital for a win-now player, helping the current regime put a winner on the field in 2026?

Jets could swing trade for Vita Vea amid Bucs contract dispute

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and star defensive tackle Vita Vea are in the midst of a contract dispute. He's entering the final year of his contract, and didn't show up to OTAs and minicamp.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo says it's tied to his current contract. He's entering the final year of his four-year, $71 million contract and has no long-term security after this season.

"Sources have told me that the fact that he's in the final year of his deal and hasn't gotten an extension to this point is part of the reason that he is not participating.
So let's see if a deal gets done before training camp, and if not, how this is handled once we get into training camp. But the big guy wants big money, Patrick. I don't blame him."

Mike Garafolo

If Tampa Bay is unwilling to play ball with their two-time Pro Bowler, could the Jets swoop in and make a play for him?

They have the resources to make it happen. Spotrac projects Vea to earn a two-year, $55.5 million contract, something New York could certainly afford.

At 31-years-old, Vea is still a productive player. In 2025, he graded out as Pro Football Focus's 20th-best defensive tackle and 12th-best pass-rushing defensive tackle.

A potential trade package could look like an early Day 3 draft pick, and maybe one of the Jets' in-house veteran defensive tackles. Harrison Phillips or Jowon Briggs, two players on expiring contracts, could contribute to the Buccaneers in 2026.

Regardless, a trade remains unlikely. It's not Darren Mougey's M.O. to trade for expensive veterans, especially only two years into a rebuild.

But it's a fun thought exercise if the Jets were desperate enough to take their defense up another notch.

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