4 low-risk trade ideas for the Vikings to add depth in 2022

Kenneth Murray – LB (Los Angeles Chargers)

Minnesota’s linebacker group has not been great since 2020. Eric Kendricks can still play at a high level, but at age 30, his career is heading in the wrong direction. Anthony Barr has battled injuries and is not expected to come back to Minnesota, barring a miracle in 2022. If he does leave, the Vikings will have no depth or even starting-caliber talent next to Kendricks.

They need to make a splash, whether in free agency or the draft, to add reliable players to the middle of the defense. There are plenty of free agents that will be able to fill in if they want to go that route, but Kenneth Murray is a player to keep an eye on.

Murray has not been great for the Chargers, especially in his second season. As a rookie, Murray racked up 107 tackles and a sack while starting in every game. Last season, Murray had just six starts and recorded a staggering 31 total tackles.

Los Angeles has some depth at linebacker and Murray has lost his job to Drue Tranquill and Kyzir White. If he is going to be a backup again in 2022 after being a first-round selection just two years ago, he should seek a trade.

The Vikings can afford to get a backup linebacker with upside so long as they give him the playing time to justify the move. Murray cannot be a downgrade from Blake Lynch and Chazz Surratt, two players who could barely get on the field but struggled mightily when they did.

Minnesota has to improve the middle of their defense and recognize that Eric Kendricks cannot cover their mistakes forever. Kenneth Murray offers the chance to start fresh at the position.