9/28: J.J. McCarthy, QB: Minnesota Vikings -> New York Giants
10/1: Broderick Jones, OT: Pittsburgh Steelers -> Dallas Cowboys
10/1: Joey Porter Jr., CB: Pittsburgh Steelers -> Dallas Cowboys
10/7: Cam Jurgens, C: Philadelphia Eagles -> Baltimore Ravens
10/12: Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals -> Houston Texans
10/27: Quenton Nelson, G: Indianapolis Colts -> Seattle Seahawks
10/27: DeForest Buckner, DT: Indianapolis Colts -> San Francisco 49ers
There was a time when seven in-season trades would be considered active. This year, the wheeling and dealing is just getting started. About this time last year, the Indianapolis Colts were an optimistic team and looking to buy. They sent two first-round picks to the New York Jets for corner Sauce Gardner. This year, they’re not so optimistic and looking to sell. They traded guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner yesterday. Topped by running back Jonathan Taylor, several more Colts players are rumored to be available. What a difference a year makes.
A further indication that the NFL Trade Deadline has become a big deal is the Athletic putting together a 50-player NFL Trade Deadline Big Board. 50 players! The #3 (Quenton Nelson) and #4 (DeForest Buckner) players on the list have already been dealt. Here’s the Top 10 of the Athletic’s Big Board:
1. Jeffery Simmons, DT, Tennessee Titans
2. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts
3. Quenton Nelson, G, Indianapolis Colts
4. Deforest Buckner, DT, Indianapolis Colts
5. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
6. Vita Vea, DT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7. Alex Highsmith, Edge, Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Moro Ojomo, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
9. Josh Downs, WR, Indianapolis Colts
10. Derwin James, S, Los Angeles Chargers
Minnesota Vikings fans are clamoring for a deal for Jonathan Taylor. I’m a bit hesitant. I get going all in on a team off to a 6-0 start. I’m just not totally sold on spending what it takes to get Taylor when the team already has the productive combo of Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. The team has raved all offseason and season about the potential of their two backs. Despite the undefeated start, offense has been the Vikings weak link so I get the Taylor hoopla. Mason and Jones are good and could be very good. Taylor is a difference-maker.
Other than Jonathan Taylor, here are some players on the Athletic Big Board that catch my attention.
5. Tuli Tuipulotu, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
8. Moro Ojomo, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
11. Amani Hooker, S, Tennessee Titans
15. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
16. Yaya Diaby, Edge, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
24. Landon Dickerson, G, Philadelphia Eagles
33. Ben Bredeson, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
37. Zach Sieler, DT, Miami Dolphins
48. Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
The two edge players, Tuli Tuipulotu and Yaya Diaby, are more intriguing (greedy) than realistic. I liked both coming out of college and I’ve liked how each has played in the NFL. Edge rusher isn’t the Vikings biggest need right now but either one of those players opposite Dallas Turner in a few years is dreamy. Before this exercise, I didn’t consider safety as a particular Vikings need but adding Amani Hooker or Budda Baker to the defense would be real interesting. I really like the idea of adding Moro Ojomo to the Vikings young defensive line. I also like the idea of Elijah Williams being active on game day. The Vikings have enough young defensive linemen. If there’s a current need in that group it’s perhaps a veteran presence with some experience in a Brian Flores defense. There’s a player that fits that description perfectly in Zach Sieler. If there’s a player on the Big Board that could be dropped into the Vikings roster and hit the ground running, that player is Sieler.
It’s easy to get excited about the variety of trade possibilities for the Vikings. It might be more important to be realistic. The Vikings have less than $5 million in cap space. There are ways to make more space. The draft pick cost of any deal is the real concern. It would be exciting to see the Vikings take a big swing at Jonathan Taylor. Perhaps it’s memories of the Herschel Walker trade that gives me pause on doing another blockbuster midseason deal for a talented back. The main pain of that horrible trade was the extreme number of high-end draft picks sent to the Dallas Cowboys. The Vikings would never do that again. They shouldn’t have done it the first time. With all that in mind, my idea of a dream trade deadline would bring the following players to Minnesota.
Zach Sieler, DT, Miami Dolphins
Ben Bredeson, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
Zach Sieler feels like he’d be a seamless addition to the Vikings defensive line rotation. Ben Bredeson is a capable starter. Perhaps more important, and the reason for this deal, is the depth he’d provide. Plus, he’s the brother of fullback Max Bredeson. That would be a fun family reunion. Losing left guard Donovan Jackson for the regular season was a huge blow. He’s an emerging franchise player. Second-year Joe Huber stepped into Jackson’s left guard spot. I like his potential. Bredeson would be a nice option if Huber or right guard Will Fries struggles. The Vikings could take that big swing and add Jonathan Taylor. I’m not against it. I just question the need and the cost. I also really like Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr. The problem moving forward with that duo is Jones currently playing on an injured knee. And he’s 31. Tony Pollard would supplement/compliment the duo rather than replace it.
Two more weeks.
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