3 reasons the Vikings trading Yannick Ngakoue makes no sense
By Dean Jones
Hunter’s health concerns
There was more than one reason why the Minnesota Vikings decided to trade for Yannick Mgakoue. Not only was he a player with a lot of talent in a toxic environment, but the health of Danielle Hunter was another significant element that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Pro Bowl pass-rusher has been missing for the entire campaign so far with a neck issue that already seems to be more than just the “tweak” Mike Zimmer initially stated. This is a precarious situation that needs to be monitored closely. But given the seriousness surrounding problems in this area of the body, it is something the Vikings should handle with extreme caution and has already cost the player the 2020 season.
What if Hunter never returns to full health?
If you think this isn’t a possibility, then examine others who have suffered the same sort of injury.
This would leave the Vikings without any notable pass-rushing options outside of Ifeadi Odenigbo to call on consistently, something which would have been unheard of just last year when Minnesota had one of the most feared defensive fronts in the NFL.
Ngakoue and Hunter had the potential to be a devastating tandem. But things rarely turn out as one hopes where the Vikings are concerned.
The defensive end is looking to become the highest-paid player at the position if recent reports are to be believed, which Minnesota might not be able to accommodate unless serious sacrifices are made elsewhere.