The Minnesota Vikings were involved in numerous trade rumors during the 2023 NFL Draft. Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook was the most bandied about with rumors linking him to the Miami Dolphins.
Meanwhile, Pro Bowl edge rusher Za’Darius Smith has been rumored to be on the trade block for some time.
While Minnesota did not move either of these players during the three-day event in Kansas City, there’s still a good chance that both will be dealt ahead of the start of training camp.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Vikings will listen to trade offers for both players as the offseason progresses.
Minnesota has been in cost-cutting mode following a surprisingly successful first season under head coach Kevin O’Connell. That included releasing stalwarts, wide receiver Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks.
These moves have helped free up some cap room. However, the Vikings still find themselves a mere $1.86 million under the 2023 NFL salary cap. That’s not enough to sign their entire 2023 NFL Draft class, rookie first-round pick Jordan Addison included.
Related: Ideal trade scenarios for Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook
Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook continues to pop up in trade rumors
Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press reported on Monday that there’s an expectation Cook will be dealt to the Miami Dolphins at some point in the offseason. The return is expected to be a mere fifth-round pick.
- Dalvin Cook stats (2022): 264 attempts, 1,173 rushing yards, 4.4 average, 39 receptions, 295 receiving yards, 1,468 total yards, 10 TD
Based on Cook’s recent production and the fact that he’s earned four consecutive Pro Bowl honors, a fifth-round pick might seem to be well below market value.
But that’s just on the surface. The 27-year-old Cook is slated to count $14.1 million against the cap. Minnesota would save nearly $8 million against the cap if it were to release him prior to June 1. A post-June 1 trade would save the Vikes $11 million against the cap.
The Vikings also re-signed a younger back in Alexander Mattison during free agency and added running back DeWayne McBride in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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Za’Darius Smith as an interesting Minnesota Vikings trade candidate
Smith, 30, signed with the Vikings last offseason after a stellar three-year run with the division-rival Green Bay Packers. A three-time Pro Bowler, he proceeded to record 24 quarterback hits and 10 sacks in 16 games.
Surprisingly, Smith requested a trade from the Vikings earlier in the offseason. Nothing has come to fruition on that end.
Playing under a three-year, $42 million contract, Smith is set to count $15.49 million against the cap in 2023. A trade ahead of June 1 would save the Minnesota Vikings $12.16 million against the cap.
Smith has been linked to the defending NFC West champion San Francisco 49ers, among other teams, on the rumor mill.
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