4 low-risk trade ideas for the Vikings to add depth in 2022
By Luke Parrish
Which young players should the Minnesota Vikings trade for in 2022?
The Minnesota Vikings need to fill a bunch of holes before the 2022 season begins, most of which are on the defensive side of the ball. While the NFL Draft and free agency will allow the Vikings to plug a few of those holes, they may need to dip into the trade market as well.
Minnesota was active in trades last season when they traded Stephen Weatherly to Denver and sent a draft pick for Mason Cole. They also sent a draft pick for tight end Chris Herndon to help fill in for the injured Irv Smith Jr.
Trades happen in the NFL, albeit not at the same rate or to the degree of excitement as we see in other professional sports leagues. There is always the potential for a blockbuster deal but the most intriguing trades in the offseason come at the disposal of young players who haven’t lived up to their pre-draft expectations.
When players struggle in the first year or two in the NFL, they can sometimes be acquired for a pretty cheap cost. C.J. Henderson, a top-10 selection in 2020, was traded just a few weeks into his sophomore season. Henderson was sent to the Panthers along with a fifth-round pick for a third-round pick and Dan Arnold.
With players of Henderson’s caliber out there to be had, the Vikings should be aggressive in pursuing some options to fill out their defense. Here are high-upside trade targets that could be beneficial pieces for the Vikings in 2022.