3 players the Vikings could trade for during the 2021 NFL Draft

Zach Ertz – TE (Philadelphia Eagles)

Possible Trade Offer

• Vikings get:
  • Zach Ertz
•  Eagles get:
  • Minnesota’s 2021 fourth-round pick (No. 125) 

Earlier this year, Eagles tight end Zach Ertz was involved in several trade rumors. Nothing ever resulted from these rumors, but Philadelphia could potentially see what they could get for him during the upcoming NFL Draft.

If the price isn’t too steep, trading for Ertz might be something the Vikings should consider. Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin are assumed to be Minnesota’s top two tight ends next season. But adding Ertz might relieve some of the pressure currently being put on Smith and Conklin to have breakout performances in 2021.

The Philadelphia tight end is coming off a 2020 campaign that was hampered by injuries. These injuries resulted in him finishing last season with just 36 catches for 335 yards and one touchdown in 11 games.

However, he racked up at least 85 catches, 900 receiving yards, and six touchdowns in both 2018 and 2019. So it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get back on track next season.

With Kyle Rudolph no longer on the Vikings’ roster, Ertz could take over the role of being Kirk Cousins’ insurance policy when he needs to throw the ball to someone reliable in a crucial situation. He could also provide the veteran leadership in the locker room that was lost with the departure of Rudolph this offseason.

With his contract set to expire in 2022, Minnesota possibly sending one of their four 2021 fourth-round picks to the Eagles to add another weapon to their offense in Ertz seems like a deal worth considering.