Trade Rumors Run Amok on NFL as New League Year Inches Closer
K. Joudry
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Vikings fans have been glued to the headlines following the expected-yet-still-stunning news that Eric Kendricks has been released. While perusing the news, it has become easy to get distracted by the trade rumors circulating in the headlines.
According to Adam Schefter, edge rusher Leonard Floyd is being made available through a trade. The Rams OLB has experience with Minnesota’s coaching staff given the shared time in LA, so this is a notable one. A trade is unlikely but as a free agent he makes some sense, especially if the deal is modest.
Tom Pelissero is reporting that Allen Robinson is similarly available in a trade. The huge receiver didn’t play particularly well last season, so the decision to search for a taker makes some sense. Both player and team would likely benefit from going in different directions.
Over at Pro Football Talk, Michael David Smith is relaying the news that Derrick Henry is available. The monstrous RB can regularly be found steamrolling NFL defenders, so it’s safe to say that at least a few teams would be interested in acquiring him. At 29, Henry is getting toward the end of his career, and his physicality may be looked at as a bit of a negative. Health, or lack thereof, is a common concern for running backs.
Jalen Ramsey has already been included in the trade chatter. Last week, Josh Frey took on that topic on PurplePTSD, concluding that the chances of the elite corner making it over to Minnesota are small. On the latest episode of Notes from the North, Tyler Forness came to a similar conclusion, arguing that strong rather than elite play at corner ought to be the goal.
There’s also word, per Mike Silver, that DeAndre Hopkins could be available. The Cardinals are coming off a very disappointing season and Hopkins is getting older. Will a team bring him in?
For a team like the Vikings, all the trade news is very fascinating. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn’t been shy when it comes to making moves. On the contrary, he has been remarkably open to pulling off deals.
With only 4 draft picks (will likely swell to 5), the Vikings don’t have a ton of draft capital to ship out. Even still, it won’t be totally surprising to see them make a move. The wild thing is that of all the players being considered in the rumors, Ramsey may be the most realistic.
The NFL’s new league year will begin on March 15. Stay tuned.
