The Minnesota Vikings have one more game left to play before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, but their rough start still has insiders expecting the team to listen to trade offers as opposed to adding talent.
While Sunday’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers could alter their current mindset, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer suggests the Vikings will continue listening to trade offers through the deadline, but the cost for their players may be increasing.
“There won’t be any fire sale. But there are names to watch, and the name that continues to be at the top of the list is Danielle Hunter. He will be expensive for anyone to re-sign. Which means any team trading for him is getting a rental, or giving up draft capital and a monster contract. I’d have said, at one point, that maybe a third-round pick would get this done. But based on how he’s playing, my guess is the price has gone up. As for others, Jordan Hicks could be a good addition as a defensive captain at linebacker. I’d be stunned if they entertained moving Kirk Cousins, and I don’t think they’d trade Harrison Smith unless it’s really what Smith wanted.”
Albert Breer on Minnesota Vikings’ trade rumors
Hunter leads the NFL with nine sacks, but he’s also 29 and in the final year of his contract. The Vikings know more about the type of salary the Pro Bowl edge rusher desires than anyone, and if the front office already knows he’s demanding a price they’re not willing to pay, perhaps a trade now makes the most sense.
Yet, a trade is no guarantee. Should the Vikings win, what kind of message would trading one of their best players send, both to the locker room and to the fanbase? It should also be noted that Hunter signing elsewhere as a free agent would factor into the compensatory pick formula, and a player of his caliber would likely bring back a third-round pick in 2025, depending on who else the Vikings sign as free agents this offseason.
There’s also always the possibility of an in-season extension or another contract agreement just before Hunter enters free agency if both sides wish to continue their partnership after eight productive seasons in Minnesota.
Meanwhile, Jordan Hicks is 32 and is also set for free agency at the end of the season. With Brian Asamoah waiting in the wings, along with undrafted rookie Ivan Pace proving to be a wise signing, the Vikings have a couple of options at middle linebacker. Yet, Hicks also ranks second on the team with 61 tackles and has been a key proponent in improving the Vikings’ defense this season.
Otherwise, as Breer indicates, Kirk Cousins and Harrison Smith are not expected to be moved anywhere.
Related: NFL trade deadline: Rumors and news for each team heading into Tuesday