3 blockbuster trades the Vikings could make in the 2022 NFL Draft

Vikings acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Steelers

• Trade:
  • Vikings Get:
    • Minkah Fitzpatrick – S
    • 2022 fourth-round pick (No. 138)
  • Steelers Get:
    • 2022 first-round pick (No. 12)
    • 2023 third-round pick

As the Pittsburgh Steelers attempt to figure out if they want to select a quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft or not, they’ve been linked with the Vikings multiple times as possible trade partners in the draft this year.

If the Steelers want to trade up in the first round, it would likely be to select a quarterback. But if Minnesota is going to give up their top selection this year, they would probably need something significant in return.

Camryn Bynum is currently penciled in as the Vikings’ other starting safety for the 2022 season next to Harrison Smith. There is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding Bynum’s abilities, so acquiring an established veteran safety to start next to Smith might be a better path for Minnesota to take this year.

Minkah Fitzpatrick would be an immediate upgrade over Bynum and the pairing of Fitzpatrick and Smith in the secondary would immediately give the Vikings one of the best safety duos in the NFL.

With Pittsburgh last season, Fitzpatrick finished with 124 tackles (one for a loss), seven pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 16 games. He’s only been in the NFL for four years, but he’s already earned two First-Team All-Pro selections and two trips to the Pro Bowl.

Fitzpatrick is in the final year of his contract, but at 25-years-old, he’s totally worth the investment for Minnesota to pair him with Smith and then to eventually have him replace Smith as the team’s top safety.