Should the Vikings Make a Trade for Braylon Edwards?

Aug 11, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; NFL: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Braylon Edwards (17) stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Tennessee, 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE

We’re two days from the NFL trade deadline and there is absolutely no buzz around the Vikings. The only name you hear being thrown around is Dwayne Bowe but that’s just wishful thinking from people who haven’t looked deeply enough into the situation. There’s no way it would make sense for the Vikes to deal for Dwayne Bowe. You’re going to bring him in and then give him the huge long-term contract he’s looking for? And then pay Percy Harvin too? I don’t see it. And it makes no sense for the Vikes to bring him in as a rental either. The Chiefs can let him walk as a free agent and get a third round compensatory pick for him. So that means they’re going to want at least a second round pick in any trade. No way the Vikes give up a second rounder for a rental. Makes no sense.

A certain incident from recent history should also come to mind when anyone thinks about big blockbuster trades in the middle of the season. The Randy Moss debacle. Two years removed from that, you’re going to cough up another relatively high pick for another high-maintenance wide receiver who may or may not help you in the short term and is unlikely to stick around for the long term? Rick Spielman and Zygi Wilf surely learned their lesson from that. No big splashy trades. Only way the Vikes do swing a deal is if it involves a late round pick and a low-salary guy being brought in.

There’s only one person I can think of who remotely fits the criteria the Vikings would probably be thinking about who is currently rumored to be on the block. Big wide receiver with downfield skills (that being their biggest need) who can be had for maybe a sixth and isn’t being paid much and wouldn’t have to be re-signed after the season. Ideally you’d like a good attitude guy but given the low price you’re willing to overlook that. Braylon Edwards is the one guy out there who fits that profile. And as it turns out the Seahawks may be looking to deal Braylon.

This is all in the pure speculation area. But this weekend Edwards was a scratch for the Seahawks despite not being on the injury report all week. The Seahawks claimed Edwards’ knee swelled up at the last minute but the people who cover the team are skeptical of the explanation. The speculation is that Edwards was benched to save him for a trade. And Ian Rapoport reports that there are teams looking at Edwards as a possible trade target. So it makes sense in a “connecting-the-dots” sort of way. But that’s all there is here. There’s no actual steam that I’m aware of.

But would it make sense for the Vikings to make this deal? Well, they really need another wide receiver. That fact was reinforced again last Thursday. Their offense looks dismal and Jerome Simpson probably isn’t the answer. So yes the Vikings’ offense needs an infusion of receiver talent but the reality is that Edwards at this point wouldn’t represent much of an infusion. Maybe he gives you what you need, but that’s a big maybe. The question is, would the Vikes be willing to cough up a late round pick on the faint hope that Braylon Edwards is the missing piece to their puzzle?

It depends on how realistic you think the Vikings’ chances are of making a run in 2012. We’re all sort of surprised to see them sitting at 5-3, but does this mean you should recalibrate your expectations? Should Rick Spielman tweak the long-term plan he’s been so firmly committed to since becoming GM and go for a little short-term reward? Again, it’s all about the draft pick and how highly you value it. Maybe the Vikes think it’s worth a sixth for half a year of Braylon Edwards and the slim hope that he makes enough plays to make a difference. My feeling is that they don’t think this way though. My feeling is that Spielman will stick with the plan come hell or high water…or surprising 5-3 start.

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