Vikings Trade Rumors: The Vikings Have “Expressed Interest” in a Top CB on the Market

Dec 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) is introduced against the Las Vegas Raiders prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of questions surrounding their roster right now.

One position that holds a few of those questions is the cornerback spot, and some have been under the belief that Minnesota could be a prime trade candidate to acquire a top talent at the position. One such player is L’Jarius Sneed, who was placed on the franchise tag by the Kansas City Chiefs this week.

Latest Vikings Trade Rumors

Vikings Trade Rumors
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) reacts against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Dragon of USA Today published an article on Wednesday discussing some NFL rumors. The reporter suggested that the Vikings have inquired about potentially acquiring the veteran via trade. Take a look at what Dragon had to say of the situation:

“As expected, the Kansas City Chiefs officially placed the franchise tag on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Sneed still has permission to seek a trade despite the designation. A person with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports that the Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars have expressed interest in the Chiefs corner. The person told USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.”

Sneed, 27, has spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning a Super Bowl in each of the past two years. In total, he’s recorded 303 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 40 passes defended, 10 interceptions, and four forced fumbles over 57 regular season games.

NFL: AFC Championship-Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38) celebrates as cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) recovers a fumble against Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) and wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) for a turnover during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

As of now, the Vikings employ eight players at the position, but they lack a true lockdown presence on the boundary. It became clear when both Mekhi Blackmon and Byron Murphy went down with injuries in 2023 that the Vikings didn’t have the firepower at cornerback to keep up with opposing offenses. Additionally, the Vikings defense came away with just 11 interceptions last year, which tied for 19th in the NFL. 

Minnesota could also look to the draft in order to take a cornerback, but especially if they did so in the first round, it would mean forgoing other pressing needs on the roster such as quarterback or edge rusher.

A trade for Sneed would involve taking on a larger salary, but it would ensure that the Vikings have a very talented player at the position.

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes the ball against Kansas City Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (38)in the first half of the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Recent trades (Jalen Ramsey, Rasul Douglas) would suggest that Minnesota may be able to get away with only giving away a Day 2 pick in that exchange. The Miami Dolphins sent the Los Angeles Rams a third-round pick as well as TE Hunter Long in exchange for Ramsey. Meanwhile, Buffalo sent the Green Bay Packers a third-round pick in exchange for Douglas and a fifth-round pick.


Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

Share: