Giants Target Buccaneers’ Vita Vea as Defensive Tackle Replacement

The New York Giants, after trading veteran nose tackle Dexter Lawrence and receiving the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft (used on Francis Mauigoa), are exploring options to fill the interior pass‑rush vacancy. One candidate is Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea, who is in the final year of his four‑year, $71 million contract and has entered a dispute with the Buccaneers over an extension. Vea posted a Pro Football Focus pass‑rush grade of 77.0 last season, ranking 12th among defensive linemen.

If a trade were to materialize, the Giants would need to negotiate a new deal for Vea, with projections of a two‑year, $55.5 million contract that would raise his annual salary to about $27.8 million. The Buccaneers might request the Giants’ edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux as part of the exchange.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have wrapped up their offseason OTAs and mandatory minicamp, with attention shifting to training camp. Rookie first‑round pick Rueben Bain Jr. has impressed in early drills, while the offense looks to rebound after the loss of Mike Evans, aided by new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and newcomers such as rookie wideout Ted Hurst.