Make a trade
The Vikings only have five draft picks this year, and that isn’t enough to address all the holes on this roster. They could definitely use a few more, and in these dwindling days of free agency, perhaps they finally pull off one of these rumored trades and acquire some additional selections.
The names that have been mentioned are Za’Darius Smith and Dalvin Cook. Cook’s trade market seemed very hot a few weeks ago, and after Alexander Mattison re-signed, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that he would be shipped.
Rumors are that the Vikings are waiting for Cook to be able to pass a physical, but if they don’t move him before the draft, teams with running back needs are going to fill that void, and his value will basically be nil.
Za’Darius Smith already said his goodbyes to Vikings fans on social media. He did this about a week before free agency started, but he still remains with the team. Smith is still an elite pass rusher and definitely has a market.
It was thought he could fetch perhaps a day-two pick and a conditional late-round 2024 pick. While losing Smith would hurt, the team did sign Marcus Davenport and are better off using him across from Danielle Hunter than a player who doesn’t want to be here.
Another trade that is less likely to happen is if the team decides to move Kirk Cousins. They reportedly shot down a discounted offer for an extension from his representation, so the team appears ready to move on.
If a team like the 49ers came calling, the Vikings could be more than willing to listen and score a handful of picks in return.
The Vikings need more draft picks, so seeing them make a move by trading a player in the coming weeks wouldn’t be all that shocking.