Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier talks with his players in the second quarter in the game with the Green Bay Packers at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers win 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL’s trade deadline is rapidly approaching. With the Vikings sitting at only 1 win, it might be time to get general manager Rick Spielman on the phone to do some wheeling and dealing to get talent for this team going forward. Here are four deals that the Vikings should at least consider making prior to the October 29th trade deadline of 3 pm central time:
Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA;Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) waves to fans against the Houston Texans after the game at Reliant Stadium. The Vikings won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Allen to the Denver Broncos for a 3rd round pick and a 5th round pick in the 2014 NFL draft. The Vikings need to load up on draft picks to get more young talent for this squad. The Vikings’ contract Jared Allen ends after this year and if they were to lose himto free agency after the year, the team would only receive a 3rd round compensatory pick at best if he were to leave.
Oct 27, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Toby Gerhart (32) breaks the tackle of Green Bay Packers safety Chris Banjo (32) for a 13 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Packers win 44-31. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Toby Gerhart to the Miami Dolphins for a 4th round pick in the 2014 NFL draft. Toby’s situation is similar to Allen’s. Gerhart is due to become a free agent after this year and is unlikely to want to continue his role as Adrian Peterson’s backup who only gets to come into the game to block on 3rd downs or play in garbage time. The Dolphins are struggling to find an identity to their running game, and a bruiser like Toby might just be what they need.
Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) passes against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Cassel to the St. Louis Rams for a conditional mid-to-late round pick in the 2014 draft. After Sam Bradford went down with a season ending torn ACL, the Rams brought in Austin Davis and Brady Quinn to join Kellen Clemons as the only quarterbacks on the roster. The Rams are currently 3-4 and can’t be happy with those options. They should look to bring in an established veteran who can run a similar offense to the one they did with Bradford.
Dec. 30, 2012; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) makes a diving tackle on New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Jairus Byrd from the Buffalo Bills for a 4th round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Bills aren’t actively shopping Byrd, but they’re willing to listen to offers. Byrd has no plans to be in Buffalo after his year. He has struggled with injuries and has a large contract, but if the Vikings can lock him up to a long term deal, they’d have one of the best duos of safeties in the NFL going forward, pairing him with standout Harrison Smith.
The Vikings need to look to the future. Adding draft picks and getting young standouts in the defense would be a huge start. Do you have any players who you would like to see the Minnesota Vikings trade for before the deadline? Discuss them in the comments below.