With the NFL trade deadline approaching, rumors of players potentially being moved are heating up. One player involved in those rumblings was 27-year-old Tennessee Titans defensive take Jeffery Simmons, who was linked to the Minnesota Vikings by some analysts.
The Titans have gone on record as saying that they aren't looking to trade their six-foot-four, 305-pound defender but that doesn't guarantee that he won't be traded before the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 5.
New report reveals likelihood of Vikings trading for top AFC defender
Recently, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini shared an article discussing some of the rumblings from around the league concerning potential trades, and the Vikings were mentioned among potential buyers at the trade deadline.
Despite potential interest from Minnesota and other teams, it is extremely unlikely a deal gets done for Tennessee's big man and explains his status as being "off-limits" despite the Titans rebuilding at several other areas of the team.
This is a bit disappointing for Minnesota Vikings fans who were dreaming of getting a big-time defender like him to help the defensive line, but it is also understandable that the Titans see him as a part of their team's future.
Simmons was one big name from the trenches linked to the Vikings, but another was New York Giants defender Dexter Lawrence. This is another big long shot, but that doesn't mean that Minnesota won't pick up the phone to ask about his availability.
The Vikings have been relying on Jonathan Bullard, Harrison Phillips, and Jerry Tillery on the defensive line this year, but that unit has struggled to win in the trenches especially against strong offensive lines.
Over the last two weeks, the Minnesota Vikings have struggled defensively. They have allowed 61 points against the Lions and Rams after allowing only 30 points in their first three games of the season.
Acquiring a big presence for the defensive line could be huge for the purple and gold, as could looking to add a talented cornerback. High powered offenses have found success moving the ball as the season goes on, which could be a bad sign for future matchups.
Despite back-to-back losses, the 5-2 Minnesota Vikings could be buyers at the trade deadline if they feel this team has a good chance of making a playoff run. In a challenging NFC North division, the purple and gold will need all the help they can ger.