Vikings Rumors: Trading with the Bears, Corner Help Available, & The End of the Road for a Legend
Though we’re now into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors aren’t as abundant, we’ll still be highlighting some of the purple rumblings.
The “Vikings Rumor Wrangle” is a series that keeps readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the chance that Minnesota and Chicago could pull off a blockbuster, how a corner with ties to Minnesota became available, and speculation about the end for a Vikings legend.
Vikings Rumors: 01.03.2024
Rumor #1 — There’s a Tiny Chance the Vikings and Bears Pull Off a QB Trade
Go ahead and emphasize the word “tiny.”
With the #1 pick in the upcoming draft, the Chicago Bears will get their shot at Caleb Williams. Will Ryan Poles really avoid snagging Williams in favor of keeping the QB he inherited? The possibility is there, especially since Justin Fields has shown signs that he’s continuing to get better. Generally speaking, though, new GMs like to bring in their own franchise quarterback.
So, let’s assume the Bears decide to sell their gifted young passer to the highest bidder. Can the Vikings get to the front of that line?
The simple fact that Minnesota and Chicago share a division is likely too much to overcome even if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were to put together the most impressive trade package (and there’s no guarantee he’d be willing to do so). True, Fields has been a touch underwhelming since entering the NFL and yet he has played for some awful Bears teams. Getting inserted in Minnesota’s loaded offense may be precisely what he needs to fully blossom. Can the Bears risk it?
Something to keep in mind is that making a move for Fields would fit Adofo-Mensah’s M.O. He has already pulled off three trades within the division. Plus, the Vikings’ GM likes giving highly-selected players a shot (Reagor, Blacklock, Hockenson).
In other words, there could very reasonably be some interest on Minnesota’s end. Would Chicago even entertain the possibility?
Rumor #2 — A Former Vikings CB is Available While Minnesota Navigates Disastrous Corner Play
Yet again, Cameron Dantzler will be looking for work.
Pro Football Talk offers the update: “The Saints waived cornerback Cameron Dantzler on Monday. Dantzler has bounced between the practice squad and active roster all season. He has played two games, but none since Oct. 1.”
Between the Vikings and Saints cuts, Dantzler played for three other teams, bringing his total to a whopping five different teams in 2023. At 6’2″, Dantzler has good length but there have long been concerns about his 4.64 speed. The simple fact that so many teams have given him a try before ultimately deciding to move on — Minnesota, Washington, Buffalo, Houston, New Orleans — suggests that there’s more to the story than what we’re seeing. Young, upside corners generally have a knack for sticking around a roster, so the Dantzler odyssey has been strange to see.
The 25-year-old defensive back is sitting on 37 games and 26 starts in his NFL career. And while he’s only been around for four seasons, Dantzler has picked up the kind of NFL mileage that would elude most players after just four seasons. He has seen a ton.
Expect another team to give him a shot before too long, but that chance isn’t going to come in Minnesota unless something truly unforeseen happens.
Rumor #3 — Vikings Coach Addresses Potential Harrison Smith Departure
Vikings fans will dread the thought, but it’s possible Harrison Smith’s career in Minnesota is coming to an end.
Kevin O’Connell was asked about this precise possibility. Like the fans, O’Connell doesn’t love the idea that Smith’s days may be numbered: “Harrison Smith is one of my all-time favorite players.” Not too long afterwards, O’Connell praises his safety’s leadership and impact off the field.
The 2012 NFL Draft involved Minnesota trading up for the hard hitting safety from Notre Dame. Since then, The Hitman has been a fixture within the Vikings’ defense.
His 2017 season resulted in a first-team All Pro nomination and a 4th-place finish in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. The 2018 season led to him being named to the second-team. He has been to six Pro Bowls and has regularly been among the NFL’s preeminent defensive backs, largely due to his elite versatility.
Regardless of whether Harrison Smith comes back, the Vikings will one day put his number into the team’s Ring of Honor. Keep an eye on #22 on Sunday, January 7th when the Vikings take on the Lions.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.