Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea has played just six games this season and was largely limited after suffering an ankle fracture that sidelined him for three months. But according to players from both the Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs, Vea could be one of the biggest X-factors in deciding the outcome of Super Bowl 55.

NFL Network’s James Palmer asked Buccaneers and Chiefs players about a possible sleeper X-factor for the game, and it was Vea’s name that kept coming up. According to Palmer, even Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he needs to be wary of where Vea is on the field on every play, as he is someone who can disrupt the reigning Super Bowl MVP and his Chiefs offense.

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The 26-year-old didn’t play in the teams’ Week 12 meeting, which was won by Kansas City, 27-24, but he was able to return against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game. Vea played just 33 defensive snaps against the Packers, but he was able to help defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ unit sack quarterback Aaron Rodgers five times.

It's now two weeks after their win over Green Bay, so Vea will likely carry a heavier load for the Buccaneers as they look to pressure Mahomes in the Super Bowl. With the Chiefs’ offensive line being limited after an Achilles injury to left tackle Eric Fisher, outside linebackers Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett will be going up against backup tackles, making Vea’s role crucial for the defense.

Vea may have seen limited action for the Buccaneers this season, but players from both teams know he can make a big impact on the biggest game of the season. Keep an eye out for him in the middle of the Tampa Bay defensive line and see if he can get pressure on Mahomes.