The Minnesota Vikings have started their 2023 season with a disappointing 0-2 record. It's still too early to truly sound the alarms, but who could be on the trade block after their rough start?
Let's start this with a disclaimer. We are not about to say the Minnesota Vikings should shut everything down and have a fire sale heading into their third game of the 2023 season.
However, after an 0-2 start, it's not out of the question for the Vikings to begin looking into trading away players and acquiring assets for next season.
Since 1990, less than 12 percent of NFL teams that have started a season with an 0-2 record have turned things around enough to make the playoffs. Minnesota is by no means out of it, but the groundwork for some trades may need to be laid.
The Vikings currently have a lot of premium assets that most teams around the league would stumble over one another trying to acquire, putting Minnesota in a good place to receive high-end assets in return.
Who might be some of the players that the Vikings should start to consider trading away after their rough 0-2 start to the 2023 season?
Player No. 1
Kirk Cousins - QB
Let's address the biggest name that has consistently come up in trade talks lately. Kirk Cousins plays at a premium position in the NFL, and he plays it quite well.
With his contract expiring at the end of this season, not only would Minnesota be smart to deal him before this year's trade deadline and get something in return, but the team that receives him does not have to make a long-term commitment to Cousins either.
Minnesota did not commit additional years to Cousins this offseason, hinting at the fact that a new age is coming for the franchise, and he probably is not part of it.
The biggest issue in dealing Cousins would be finding a trade partner. He is very much a "win now" QB, and most of the contending teams in the league are set with their pass throwers.
The obvious answer for a trade partner right now is the New York Jets due to Aaron Rodgers suffering a season-ending injury in Week 1. But if Minnesota can't make a deal with them, they could be out of options.
Player No. 2
Danielle Hunter - OLB
Danielle Hunter may arguably be the most tantalizing trade asset that Minnesota currently has to offer. He is a Pro Bowl-caliber player who is 29-years-old, and he plays a very impactful position.
The Vikings have received trade calls about Hunter before, and right now could be the time for them to pull the trigger. He is another player who is on an expiring contract, making his future murky in Minnesota regardless.
Hunter could add a much-needed spark to a contending team looking to strengthen their defense, and the Vikings could receive valuable assets in return to help build their roster down the line.
Von Miller was recently in a similar situation in 2021 when the Denver Broncos dealt the future Hall of Famer to the Los Angeles Rams for a second and third-round draft pick.
Hunter may not be on the same level as Miller, but he brings a cheaper price tag money-wise and is a few years younger than Miller when he was dealt.
Player No. 3
Harrison Smith - S
This is the trade that would hurt Vikings fans the most. Harrison Smith has been a key piece of Minnesota's defense for over a decade now, but as the team looks to turn a new page, it's fair to question how much longer he has with the franchise.
The clock is ticking on Smith's career, and if Minnesota does decide to start dealing players, it's only fair that they try and give the veteran safety a shot at winning a much-deserved ring somewhere else.
No one would be upset to see Smith stay in Minnesota until he calls it quits and retires, but the NFL is a business, and fairytale endings rarely occur.
He has aged gracefully in his long-tenured career, but the once dynamic safety has shown signs of decline in recent seasons. He could still help out a contending team in need, but the return for him will be minimal.
Trading Smith would be more about setting him up for success elsewhere than anything else, but Vikings fans would be happy if that meant he could truly contend one last time, no matter where he is.
Player No. 4
Jordan Hicks - ILB
Just as the Vikings did in the offseason with Eric Kendricks, it's time for them to evaluate their youth and move on from the elder statesman in the linebacker room.
Jordan Hicks is a fine player and a great person, but if Minnesota is looking to retool for the future, he isn't in the picture.
Ivan Pace Jr. looks like a star in the making, but it would make sense for the Vikings to assess their other young linebackers to see what they need to draft in 2024.
Brian Asamoah II is still young and incredibly raw, so it would also make sense for Minnesota to see what he has to offer as they look toward the future.
The Vikingd may be heading towards an assessment period throughout their roster to look ahead, and it may take dealing away Hicks to ease that process.
Player No. 5
K.J. Osborn - WR
As each week progresses in Minnesota, it has become more apparent that rookie Jordan Addison has leaped ahead of K.J. Osborn in the pecking order.
This was to be expected, as Addison was drafted to be the Robin to Justin Jefferson's Batman. It may have happened a lot faster than expected, but Addison has already shown to be just as advertised when he left college.
Osborn is a good receiver; he showed that off last season, but he has become obsolete in the Vikings' offense, which features two elite receiving threats (T.J. Hockenson and Jefferson) and an emerging elite receiver with Addison.
The Vikings also have some solid receiving options on the roster and the practice squad, making Osborn the apparent choice to be sent out. He actually has game tape for teams to watch, unlike the other receivers behind him, making him a more accessible piece to move.
There is no rush to get Osborn out the door, so it isn't probable that he gets dealt. But if a receiver-needy team comes calling, Minnesota should be answering.