One of the biggest question marks for the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason was why the team didn't find a suitable replacement for Harrison Smith, who is nearing retirement. There may now be a solution for them.
ESPN NFL analyst Benjamin Solak recently shared an interesting trade suggestion on X, discussing how surprised he was that New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger was playing in the fourth quarter of the Vikings game. Solak thought of four teams that should be calling New England for a trade.
"I did not realize Kyle Dugger's roster spot was so tenuous in New England. He was taking snaps on the last drive of the fourth quarter!
If I ran a blitz-heavy team, I'd call the Pats offering a conditional Day 3 pick. Vikings, Lions, Bucs, Dolphins all make sense."
New England Patriots safety Kyle Duggar could eventually replace Harrison Smith for the Minnesota Vikings
Dugger has been a solid, reliable starter in the secondary for the Patriots since being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has started 65 of the 74 games he has appeared in, racking up 424 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, 24 pass deflections, 10 quarterback hits, nine interceptions, 3.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and three defensive touchdowns.
Minnesota would have an easy option to find a replacement for the 36-year-old Smith, who just re-signed with the team in the offseason on a one-year deal. Many are bracing for Smith to play his final season with the team, having been with the team since 2012.
Dugger's current four-year, $58 million deal would keep him under agreement through the 2027 season. That would give Minnesota three years to figure out if he can help the roster or if they can let him go beforehand.
The Vikings' other safety, Josh Metellus, would have a good running mate to work with for the next few years. Metellus and Dugger have both shown themselves to be players who can help in run support, pressure the quarterback, and create turnovers in coverage.
This would help avoid the Vikings from having to panic during the offseason to find a replacement at safety. They would be able to still draft a safety prospect they like and let them develop behind Dugger.
It's a potential deal the Vikings should consider, as it would be a steal if they can get Dugger for just a Day 3 draft pick.