NFL Insiders Sound Off on Vita Vea, More Potential 'Sleeper' Trade Targets Ahead of 2026 Deadline

The resolution of contract talks between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Vita Vea has not stopped the veteran defensive tackle from remaining the subject of trade speculation.

ESPN's Dan Graziano named Vea as a "sleeper name" to be moved ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline.

Here's a look at some of the players Graziano and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler named as underrated trade targets ahead of the trade deadline.

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ESPN's Sleeper Trade Targets

• Vita Vea (DT, Buccaneers)

• Alontae Taylor (CB, Titans)
• Wyatt Teller (OL, Texans)
• Riq Woolen (CB, Eagles)
• Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Bengals)
• Jessie Bates III (S, Falcons)

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Vea is signed through the 2027 campaign after securing $23 million in salary next season in a deal Graziano described as the Buccaneers coming short of guaranteeing Vea as "part of their long-term future."

The 31-year-old has recorded 13 tackles and three quarterback hits while playing 73 percent of the Bucs' defensive snaps during his team's 1-5 start to the season.

"If you need interior D-line help right now and don't mind paying Vea $23 million next season at age 32, why not call to see what it would take to get him out of Tampa?" Graziano wrote.

Graziano also described Teller and Woolen as "potentially available."

Teller, is playing in his ninth NFL season and first with the Texans (2-4), is signed through 2027. The 31-year-old has allowed one sack on 142 offensive snaps played, per PFF.

Woolen, a 27-year-old playing on an expiring deal, has allowed 15 catches while playing almost every defensive snap for the Eagles (2-4).

Fowler reported that although he doesn't think the Titans are "floating" Taylor as a trade target, the cornerback could be seen as "expendable" after getting benched in Week 6.

Taylor, 27, signed a three-year, $58 million deal with the Titans this offseason but was listed as a healthy scratch before his team claimed their first win of the season Sunday over the Indianapolis Colts.

Fowler also speculated a team could also attempt to see if the Falcons could be willing to move a former Pro Bowler in Bates after a 2-4 start to the season.

"I doubt Atlanta wants to trade him, but his value would be strong if that changes," Fowler reported.

Bates, 29, is another player on an expiring contract. He has made 31 tackles, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble returned for a touchdown through six games of his fourth season with the Falcons.

The window to trade NFL players this season closes Nov. 10. Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and Eagles guard Landon Dickerson were ranked as the top three most likely players to move ahead of that deadline in Bleacher Report's latest trade block big board.