4 Vikings players on the hot seat for 2023 after free agency
By Adam Carlson
Za’Darius Smith, Edge
Can a player who requests a trade still be considered to be on the hot seat? If so, the arrival of Marcus Davenport in Minnesota could be a sign that the Vikings are ready to move on from edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.
Smith was off to an incredible start to the season last year, keeping pace with the league leaders in sacks until he was slowed by an injury that impacted his effectiveness to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Minnesota doesn’t seem to want to outright release Smith, but trading him is apparently not as easy as it should be for an accomplished pass rusher. This means he could be a candidate for a draft day trade or after the 2023 NFL Draft is completed.
Meanwhile, Davenport will be on what is essentially a two-year test drive to see if he will be a good fit for the team. Smith will likely not be on the Minnesota Vikings roster, meaning Davenport will probably be a starter this upcoming season.