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NFL Expert Predicts Trade That Would Fix Minnesota Vikings Future DB Problem

ted schwerzler
·2 min read
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Minnesota Vikings, Denzel Ward
Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

In case you haven’t noticed, Kevin O’Connell’s team isn’t exactly full of spring chickens. The Minnesota Vikings could see a substantial amount of turnover before next year. The defense has improved this season, but they’ll need help again when it comes to cornerbacks.

The addition of Stephon Gilmore to the Minnesota Vikings has been nothing short of stellar. His seasoned expertise has significantly bolstered the team’s defense. Yet, with the passing of time, there’s a real possibility that Gilmore’s tenure with the Vikings could conclude after the 2024 season. This reality compels the team to look ahead, ensuring they have another top-tier cornerback ready to step up when Gilmore’s time with the Vikings comes to an end.

Vikings could poach a Cleveland Browns cornerback

Depth at the cornerback position isn’t something that the Vikings currently have. They are still working to create usable options behind Stephon Gilmore and Byron Murphy Jr. Their best course of action may be to acquire another starter, and ESPN Analyst Benjamin Solak thinks the Cleveland Browns may have an answer.

“With no contending future in sight, I expect the Browns to trade players for picks. Both cornerbacks Denzel Ward (who had an excellent season) and Greg Newsome II (who had an uncharacteristically shaky season) should be made available, and one will be dealt. For my money, I expect a young, rising team to put a first-round pick on the table for Ward (Packers? Vikings?) and give the Browns the draft capital they need to aggressively rebuild.”

Benjamin Solak on a Denzel Ward trade. (ESPN)

Possible trade pieces

The Vikings aren’t exactly a young team, but they are certainly on the rise. They don’t have much in the way of draft capital, but that could change if Sam Darnold nets picks following a franchise tag situation, and possibly if Brian Flores gets a head coaching job.

Ward is already a proven commodity and would give general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah a pass when it comes to grabbing the right first round cornerback. The Vikings new leader doesn’t have a great track record in the draft, but he has slugged impressively when acquiring proven talent via both free agency and trade.

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Just 27 years old, Denzel Ward is a former fourth overall pick and has spent seven seasons with the Browns. He is a four-time Pro Bowl participant and has picked off at least two passes in every season he has played. Ward led the league in passes defensed with 19 this season.

It remains to be seen what the package to acquire Denzel Ward would look like. The Browns have a ton of problems though, and adding talent through the draft should be extremely beneficial to them. Solak’s suggestion would give Minnesota an immediate starting option, and he could pair with Murphy Jr. if the Vikings bring him back.

If J.J. McCarthy is going to take over under center next season, then Kevin O’Connell needs his defense to continue performing at a high level. The need for shutdown cornerbacks in that scenario is a must.

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