The Minnesota Vikings are asking around ahead of the November 10 trade deadline and are focusing on several positions. Running back, offensive line, and defensive line seem to be the areas they are focusing on. This was reported by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer on Friday morning.
This undoubtedly echoes further sentiments by analysts across the league, as the Vikings are making a push to be active before the deadline. Plenty of big names have already gotten moved, and this report indicates that the Vikings are certainly not settling for a quiet deadline. As Breer notes, they seem to be very active in the trade market.
“The Vikings have asked around on interior offensive and defensive linemen, and running backs, ” Breer noted.
Vikings Aggressive Approach Echoed By Others
This particular aggressiveness and approach has been echoed by others over the last 24 hours. NFL analyst James Palmer noted this as well, as the Vikings’ divisional rivals have made upgrades as well. In particular, the Chicago Bears made a splash, acquiring defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. Now, the Vikings are trying to cover every base, as Palmer noted.
“The Vikings new general manager, Nolan Teasley is looking at everything. He is a madman on the phones, I’m told. They’re looking at running back, and looking at tight end.”
Vikings Could Benefit From Upgrades
The Vikings are in an interesting situation. They are 6-0 and are tops in the NFC North and in all of football. The defense has been playing at a high level, while the offense has done just enough to win games. Nevertheless, it is clear that they need upgrades at several positions.
Running back is a position where they could really use help. That position has seen a Aaron Jones Sr. is managing a left knee sprain. Jordan Mason will have to carry the load. In addition to just on the football field, that position has been talked about as one needing an upgrade. Some big names have been attached as well
At this time, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is not on the block. The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero noted that he would “not hold his breath” regarding either Taylor or Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley being traded. It will be intriguing to see if that changes here over the course of the next couple of days.
It will certainly be interesting to see the approach that the Vikings take. It’s clear that they need to upgrade the roster. How they get it done is going to be a different story. We have already seen several major moves within the division alone. The Vikings may hold the top spot in the division at the moment, but it’s clear other teams are stocking up in an effort to challenge the Vikings not only in the division but in the NFC.
There is sure to be a lot of action between now and November 10 in the trade market. Vikings fans are getting impatient. The hope is that the team will get in on this action sooner rather than later.
Vikings GM “Madman” on Phones as Team Eyes Upgrades: Report