The Minnesota Vikings are in their Super Bowl window. Can they pull off a trade to increase their chances?
The Minnesota Vikings are a team that has proven that they are all in. They traded a high-value draft pick in the offseason for a questionable replacement in Sam Bradford for 2016. Then they opened the season 5-0.
Still, the injury bug has struck the team in major positions, and in their first loss of the season to the Eagles, it showed.
With the trade deadline approaching, the Vikings are a team that could be wheeling and dealing in further attempts to ensure that this roster has the tools to go the distance. These are the five best trades that they could make.
Darren McFadden
The biggest problem the Vikings have in making a realistic trade is that they have a limited amount of cap space. They would have to be meticulous in their moves, or trade players on the roster to equate the salary. In Darren McFadden, they can add a cheap running back at a low cost, but at least have a player with upside.
The Vikings’ running game has been their biggest problem this season. This season they rank 32nd in rushing DVOA and are 31st in yards per play. They need someone to help spark the offense. McFadden has the big-play ability to do so.
McFadden averages over four yards per carry in his career, and has receiving and pass blocking capabilities. The biggest knock on McFadden is his injury history. An off-field accident put McFadden on the PUP to start the season but by all accounts he is healthy and can contribute. McFadden had always had a problem in putting in a full season, so at least at this point, he only needs to put in half of a season.
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The Cowboys have not needed him to contribute thanks to the emergence of Ezekiel Elliott, the signing of Alfred Morris and the health of Lance Dunbar. The Cowboys also would be willing to take on any future value for a piece that they would not need.
The Vikings can bring in McFadden for a future low round conditional pick based on playing time and kick the tires on a player who averaged 8.2 yards per catch and 4.6 yards per carry last season.