Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Vita Vea want out of Tampa Bay?
Vita Vea requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because the organization has been slow to get a contract extension done. He has continued to anchor their run defense and feels he deserves to be rewarded for those efforts.
How bad was the Chicago Bears run defense last season?
The Bears ranked 27th against the run last season, making it a constant problem throughout the year. Injuries along the defensive line hurt them, and none of their defensive tackles were particularly effective at stopping the run.
What are NFL executives saying about a Vita Vea trade to the Bears?
A couple of NFL executives expressed skepticism, pointing to Vea's age as the main concern. One assistant GM noted he might be 'getting near the end,' while a pro scouting director said you'd need to feel good about only a couple of productive seasons given he's soon to be 32.
How much would a Vita Vea trade cost the Chicago Bears?
The Bears would need to give up a draft pick and offer Vea a contract extension worth more than his current $17.75 million salary. They are sitting under $5 million in cap space and would need to restructure several contracts just to fit him on the books.
Do Super Bowl winners typically have good run defenses?
Seven of the last 10 Super Bowl winners ranked in the top 10 in run defense, suggesting a strong correlation between stopping the run and winning championships. The Bears themselves went 5-0 last season when they held opponents under 100 rushing yards.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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