Could the Minnesota Vikings swing a trade with the Denver Broncos to acquire star cornerback Patrick Surtain II?
John Buhler of FanSided lays out the possibility.
Buhler suggests that the Vikings send the 23rd overall pick and a seventh-rounder to the Broncos in exchange for Surtain and a third-rounder, giving Minnesota one of the top corners in football while supplying Denver with a first-round draft choice.
The Broncos are clearly entering rebuilding mode, and while Surtain is still under contract through 2025, they may not be able to afford him long term. Given that he has two years left on his deal, his value is certainly higher now than it will be a year from now, so Denver may want to cash in now.
But would this package be enough for the Broncos?
Again, Surtain is one of the game’s best at his position, and while a first-round pick is certainly solid capital, it stands to reason that Denver would not feel too comfortable also parting with a third-rounder.
The Broncos don’t have to trade Surtain, so if they aren’t able to find what they feel is an appropriate return, they can always just go into the 2024 campaign with Surtain on the roster.
Surtain, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was selected by Denver with the ninth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He got off to a terrific start in his rookie campaign, finishing with 58 tackles, four interceptions, 14 passes defended and a defensive touchdown.
The following year, Surtain made the Pro Bowl and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection after registering 60 tackles, a couple of picks, a forced fumble and 10 passes defended. He went on to make his second straight trip to the Pro Bowl this past season courtesy of recording 69 tackles, an interception and 12 passes defended.
We’ll see if the Broncos do try and trade Patrick Surtain II between now and the NFL Draft later this month and if the Vikings end up being a match.
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