With the NFL trade deadline rapidly approaching, many Minnesota Vikings fans are speculating about deals that the Minnesota Vikings could make to improve their roster. While the team more than likely will not make a trade before the deadline, it’s always fun to speculate on deals that make sense for the Vikings.
Here are 3 players that it would make sense for the Minnesota Vikings to try to deal before the October 28th trade deadline:
Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Greg Jennings (15) catches a pass for 29 yards against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Jennings (wide receiver) – This one is kind of hard to talk about. Greg Jennings is an established veteran who is a great route runner and has reliable hands. However, when the Minnesota Vikings inked him to a 5 year deal worth 45 million, the team had to know that there was no way that he’d finish out that contract. Jennings numbers were manageable at the beginning of his deal, costing only $5 million and $7 million in his first two years. But that number skyrockets to $11 million for the last three years of his deal starting next year. Jennings just hasn’t had the kind of productivity to warrant that kind of pay. However, a team that has a depth problem at wide receiver and some salary cap to spare just might take a chance on making a deal for Jennings.
Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway (52) against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Chad Greenway (linebacker) – Greenway would be a tough sell to another team. Right now, he’s playing through two significant injuries and will have a cap hit of $8.8 million next season. The Vikings might be looking to get a younger, cheaper option to replace him. Greenway turned 31 this year and has looked like he has slowed down a step over the years. He has become a bit a liability in the pass game, but is still solid against the run. A team dealing with injuries to the linebackers or looking for a player to fill in for a year or two could be interested in Greenway.
Aug 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) leaves the field after the game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field. The Vikings won 19-3. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Adrian Peterson (running back) – Honestly, I don’t even know if a player on the Commissioner’s Permission/Exempt List is eligible to be traded. But with the emergence of Jerick McKinnon and the insane salary that Peterson is making to stay away from the game of football, the Minnesota Vikings have to do something. Finding a team with the salary cap to take on Peterson would be extremely tough, but that team would also have to be willing to take on the negative image that has been built around the star running back. This is most likely too complicated of a deal to happen, but it’s one that has to at least be explored.
What do you guys think? Is there a player out there that the Vikings should try to trade before the October 28th deadline? Do you agree or disagree with the players listed above? Let me know in the comments!