The Minnesota Vikings have had a busy offseason. Kirk Cousins departed via free agency to join the Atlanta Falcons, but the Vikings managed to find replacements. They were fortunate to draft JJ McCarthy in the first round and also moved up to secure Dallas Turner. However, these moves depleted some of their valuable draft capital for next year. To recoup some of this, the Vikings might consider trading players like Sam Darnold, Robert Tonyan, and Jalen Nailor during training camp.
The Vikings didn’t just draft McCarthy; they also signed Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal after Cousins left. This decision provided the team with flexibility and a viable starting option if they couldn’t draft a rookie. It also ensured they had a bridge quarterback in case they did. The plan is for Darnold to start the regular season, allowing McCarthy time to develop. Darnold brings experience and had a solid season with the Carolina Panthers, showing efficiency in his seven starts since 2022.
While McCarthy is the future quarterback for the Vikings, Darnold is set to lead for now. However, if McCarthy impresses during training camp, he could win the starting job, potentially making Darnold a trade candidate. If another team experiences a quarterback injury in training camp, the Vikings could trade Darnold, capitalizing on the situation. Thus, this quarterback battle is crucial to monitor before the season begins.
Minnesota’s tight-end situation in 2024 is complex. TJ Hockenson, one of the top players at the position, tore his ACL on Christmas Eve last season, making it unlikely he’ll be ready for the season’s start. Fortunately, the Vikings have several options. They signed Josh Oliver to a three-year, $21 million deal last offseason and retained Johnny Mundt, both primarily blocking tight ends essential for head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.
For pass-catching options, the Vikings have N’Keal Harry, who is transitioning from a wide receiver to a tight end. This move might unlock his potential, which made him a first-round pick in 2019. Additionally, they have Robert Tonyan, who became notable in Green Bay with 11 touchdown catches in 2020. Though he had a disappointing season with Chicago (11 receptions for 112 yards), his past performance suggests he could be a receiving threat.
Robert Tonyan's first career catch was a fun one pic.twitter.com/fYVfiLMOjk
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) July 2, 2024
However, similar reasoning regarding a trade could also apply to Tonyan. If Harry impresses in his transition to tight end, or if a team faces an injury to their starting tight end, Tonyan might become a trade target for the Vikings. Acquiring additional draft capital is always advantageous for a team, and Minnesota could explore this option with Tonyan.
A speedy vertical threat
Another avenue for the Vikings to acquire more draft picks could involve trading Jalen Nailor. Nailor, drafted in the sixth round in 2022 after an impressive tenure at Michigan State, has seen limited action in the NFL. Despite possessing notable speed and athleticism to stretch the field, he has only recorded 12 receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown in 21 career games.
Jalen "Speedy" Nailor over the last two weeks: 7 catches, 151 yards, and a TD on 8 targets.
The sixth-round pick out of Michigan State appears to have the athleticism (8.09 RAS) and skill set to be a factor in the Vikings' offense next season and beyond. pic.twitter.com/WgwxqLRwIe
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) January 9, 2023
Minnesota faces a challenge with a crowded receiver room, potentially complicating Nailor’s retention. If it appears he might not secure a roster spot by the end of training camp, the Vikings could consider trading him for a draft pick. This option merits exploration as Nailor stands as another potential trade asset for Minnesota.
