6 Vikings players who could be traded next before the deadline
By Dean Jones
Harrison Smith – S
Harrison Smith will go down in history as one of the greatest players to ever suit up for the Vikings. The hard-hitting safety has been the inspirational leader on defense almost from the moment he entered the league. But with the organization beginning what could be a substantial rebuild, it might see the safety moved on for a valuable draft pick or two.
Few would begrudge Smith a chance to finish his glittering career with a team with a better chance of winning a Super Bowl, which Minnesota doesn’t appear to be close to at this point.
The All-Pro would be sure to attract some interest on the trade market thanks to his big-play ability and experience, so this is a more realistic proposition than you’d think.
This would come with no much more than a little financial burden for any would-be suitor. Smith is in the penultimate year of his deal and will make a base salary of $9.85 million next year.
A contending team might decide that this is a gamble worth taking if the price is right and Minnesota would likely consider moving the veteran given the direction they’re apparently going down whether we like it or not.
Smith has accumulated 683 tackles, 13 sacks, 24 interceptions, 58 passes defended, seven forced fumbles, 38 tackles for loss, and 28 quarterback hits during his career. Seeing him in anything other than a Vikings uniform is unthinkable, but this is unfortunately where we’re at.