The NFL’s Blockbuster Trade Candidate the Vikings Should be Calling About
K. Joudry
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Right off the top, let’s adjust expectations: Minnesota has a tiny chance of pulling something off with the Jets. Nevertheless, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah should at least do his due diligence by picking up the phone.
Indeed, pass-rushing DT Quinnen Williams is a star player and he’s unhappy with the financial situation in New York. Making his displeasure especially apparent is his Twitter profile that includes the line, and I quote, “Defensive Tackle for ……………….” Williams qualifies as a blockbuster trade candidate. Could the Vikings concoct a compelling offer to get him to Minnesota?
Quinnen Williams: The NFL’s Preeminent Blockbuster Trade Candidate
Brian Flores would welcome a pass-rushing terror along the interior of his defensive line.
Currently, the top pass-rushing option for the Vikings’ DL is Dean Lowry, the former Packer who signed with Minnesota during the offseason. Maybe rookie Jaquelin Roy provides a bit of sizzle is his debut season, but the other options – Khyiris Tonga, Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Bullard – don’t inspire a ton of optimism for getting pressure on passing downs.
Bringing Williams to town would instantly change the situation. Presumably, he’d partner with Marcus Davenport and Danielle Hunter to form a fearsome pass-rushing trio.
The GM certainly hasn’t been shy about trading since taking over the top job with the Vikings. One of the prominent trends to emerge from his 15 deals is that he likes bringing in highly-drafted players who are still operating on their rookie deals. That’s what he did when acquiring Ross Blacklock, Jalen Reagor, and T.J. Hockenson.
Williams, 25, was the 3rd overall selection in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Now, the only reason we can even entertain the idea of a trade is due to his contract dissatisfaction. Coming off an AP1 season that featured 12 sacks, Williams is looking to lock-in a massive extension. He’s carrying a cap hit a bit below $9.6 million, a modest amount given his level of production. Very reasonably, Williams wants more years and more money.
The concern in Minnesota is that the cost would be twofold: the cost to pull off a trade and then to extend him. Make no mistake: shipping out the massive amount it would take to get Williams into a purple uniform would mean the GM is committing to signing Williams to a new deal.
There are some rumblings that the DT is looking for a deal that averages $25-$30 million per season. Or, put differently, the kind of money that usually goes to quarterbacks. Needing to pay stars like Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Christian Darrisaw makes that kind of financial commitment difficult to envision for the Vikings.
A few seasons ago, DeForest Buckner – a pass-rushing DT – was traded for a 1st-round selection. The Buckner example would be the starting point for a Williams deal. In all likelihood, the Jets would want a 1st and more to let go of their star defensive tackle.
After all, they’re looking to contend in 2023, as their deal to bring Aaron Rodgers to town demonstrates. Subtracting one of the best defenders in the NFL would be a clear step back for their roster. The Rodgers window is likely just for a couple seasons, so undermining their immediate competitiveness is not advisable.
Even still, what good is holding onto Williams if he isn’t there to help the team? The holdout might force New York to explore something they don’t want to do: a trade involving the DT.
The Final Word
Part of what makes the NFL offseason so captivating is that all 32 franchises get to sell their fans some hope. Last year may have ended poorly, but that was last year. The upcoming season will be different and here are several reasons why.
For the Vikings, the hope rests in seeing continued growth from Justin Jefferson, an improved defense under the tutelage of Brian Flores, and plenty of young talent being thrown into prominent roles.
Somehow bringing Quinnen Williams into the fold would function as a dramatic boost to the Vikings’ chances in the upcoming season. Indeed, even the most pessimistic Vikings fans would be inclined to reconsider their negative outlook, if only for a few brief moments.
Minnesota’s training camp begins on July 23rd. The rookies arrive that day with the veterans getting to town on the 25th. Similarly, the Jets are nearing their own training camp and the Williams situation is hanging over that franchise.
At the very least, Kwesi should give New York a call. Maybe the GM has one more trick up his sleeve before the players arrive at TCO Performance Center.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
