3 players the Vikings should consider trading for this season
By Adam Patrick
Arik Armstead – DE
San Francisco 49ers
Let’s face it, no one is really sure when Everson Griffen is going to return to the Vikings this season. Griffen may not even come back at all this year if that ends up being what is necessary to improve his mental health.
In his place, Minnesota has moved Danielle Hunter over to the right side of the defensive line and Stephen Weatherly has taken the majority of the snaps at Hunter’s old spot at left defensive end.
Behind Hunter and Weatherly though, there is not much pass rushing depth on the Vikings’ roster. There is Tashawn Bower and that’s about it. If one of these three guys goes down this season (especially if it’s Hunter), Minnesota’s ability to get to the opposing quarterback would take a step back.
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So in an effort to avoid this from even being a possibility, the Vikings should look into acquiring Armstead from the 49ers. The 24-year-old defensive end is currently in the fourth year of his rookie contract and his fifth-year option has been exercised for next season as well.
In six games as a starting defensive end for the 49ers this year, Armstead has one sack and his 16 quarterback pressures are the second-most on San Francisco’s defense. Given his contract situation, it could be a good opportunity for Minnesota to add a young, experienced pass rusher to their roster.