Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets
Could the Vikings Pull Off a Blockbuster Trade for Sauce Gardner?
The Minnesota Vikings were among the top teams in the NFL last season, showcasing dominance on both sides of the ball while securing 14 wins. However, their promising campaign ended in disappointment with a wild-card round exit, leaving the team with key areas to address this offseason.
Despite their success, it’s evident that the Vikings could use upgrades—particularly in the secondary. Lou Scataglia of The Viking Age recently proposed a bold trade scenario that would send star cornerback Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets to Minnesota, significantly bolstering their defensive backfield.
A Trade That Would Shake Up the League
Scataglia outlined why a deal for Gardner might make sense, especially given the Jets’ uncertain future. New York’s newly appointed general manager, Darren Mougey, may prefer to accumulate draft capital and build the roster to his liking rather than commit a massive contract extension to Gardner, which could exceed $30 million per year.
“New York might not be in a position to be throwing a ton of money at a CB, as they have QB questions and some questions remaining along the offensive line that need answered,” Scataglia wrote. “A major trade like this would shake up the league for years to come, but the Jets are much farther away from contention than the Vikings are.”
Gardner had a slightly down year in 2024 compared to his stellar first two seasons, finishing with 49 tackles, one sack, one interception, and nine pass breakups. His Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 73.1 was a dip from his dominant 90+ grades in 2022 and 2023, where he led the league with 20 passes defended as a rookie and earned consecutive All-Pro nods.
How Gardner Would Fit in Minnesota
Even with a slight regression, Gardner remains one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks at just 24 years old. If the Vikings were to acquire him, he would form a dynamic tandem with Byron Murphy Jr., whom the team signed last offseason. A duo of Gardner and Murphy could instantly transform Minnesota’s secondary into one of the best in the league.
The biggest question, of course, is whether the Jets would entertain moving Gardner at all. He remains under team control for two more seasons, and while a lucrative extension looms, elite cornerbacks of his caliber rarely hit the trade market.
A Move That Could Define the Vikings’ Future
For Minnesota, a blockbuster deal for Gardner would signal their intent to push for a championship in the near future. With their offense already in good shape, solidifying the secondary could make them one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. Whether or not the Jets are willing to part ways with Gardner, this potential trade scenario is one worth keeping an eye on as the offseason unfolds.
