When the New York Giants traded superstar defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals, they shifted the identity of their defense in an instant. After building the unit around Dexy for years, they set themselves up for more versatility at all three levels under defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson.
But barely two months later, they're getting listed as a potential trade destination for disgruntled Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea. The Bucs' defender is one of the best in the NFL at what he does, but the Giants have no reason to pursue a trade for him.
They've made their move. There's no going back now.
Giants can't afford to entertain a Vita Vea trade
Anthony Palacios of Last Word On Sports thinks the Giants could make a move for Vea. He listed New York as a potential landing spot for the veteran, saying, "The Giants need to add a star defensive tackle after they were forced to trade Dexter Lawrence, since he was disgruntled. Vea could arguably be cheaper and may be willing to play on an extra season with the team if traded from Tampa Bay."
There's no doubt that Vea would be an upgrade over what the Giants have on the interior at the moment. DJ Reader is a capable nose tackle, but the Buccaneers' veteran has been one of the most dominant defenders in football over the last five years.
Still, trading for Vea would represent a frantic attempt to undo the Lawrence trade. Vea is entering the last year of his contract and would need a massive extension if he were traded. With a crop of young stars creeping toward the end of their rookie deals, the Giants can't afford to trade for and pay a 31-year-old defender who is likely past his prime.
The veteran nose tackle may not even be on his way out of Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have not indicated that they're willing to trade him despite his contract holdout. As these things often do, the drama may just end in a short extension or a tweak to his current deal. But even if he's available, the G-Men shouldn't be interested.
The interior of the defensive line is one of the biggest remaining weaknesses on the roster, so it's easy to see why New York would be listed as a possible trade destination for Vea. But this deal isn't worth pursuing for Joe Schoen and the Giants.
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