The Minnesota Vikings are stuck between a rock and a hard place. They are 2-4 after defeating the Chicago Bears in Week 6, keeping their slim playoff hopes alive. Their schedule the rest of the way isn’t overly daunting, as their matchup with the San Francisco 49ers is the last one against a team over the .500 mark currently until Week 16 against the Detroit Lions.
However, without star wide receiver Justin Jefferson in the lineup, the Vikings will certainly have their work cut out for them. A strong argument can be made that Minnesota would be better off selling ahead of the deadline and focusing on the 2024 offseason.
It doesn’t sound like quarterback Kirk Cousins will be waiving his no-trade clause, as he would be the biggest trade chip the team has to offer. But, unless the Vikings can figure out a way to find a long-term pass-rushing need ahead of the deadline, it will probably be a quiet one for them.
In the opinion of Matt Holder of Bleacher Report, a boost along the defensive front is what Minnesota needs the most in the 2024 offseason. The player that he suggested they target is Chase Young of the Washington Commanders.
“With Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, the Vikings are going to be in the market for an edge-rusher. However, it seems like a rebuild is coming in Minnesota during the spring, so they need to bring in some young talent.
That’s essentially what Young is as a former No. 2 overall pick who doesn’t turn 25 years old until April. Injuries have held back his career so far and are one of the big reasons Washington will likely let him walk, but the Ohio State product has been a productive pass-rusher this season with three sacks in his first four games.”
The Commanders put themselves in an impossible spot when they opted to decline the fifth-year option on Young’s rookie contract. That means he will be a free agent in 2024 along with Montez Sweat, who is playing out the fifth-year option on his deal.
With only one franchise tag to use, it would not be surprising if one of the two walked for nothing in the offseason. In the opinion of many, Young is the likelier to move on and he is playing well enough this season to rehab his value.
Signing him would provide the Vikings with a building block on the defensive side of the ball, something they desperately need. A long-term deal with Danielle Hunter seems unlikely and Marcus Davenport is on a one-year deal.
Landing a player of Young’s caliber would be a huge boost for what has been an underwhelming Vikings defense the last few seasons.
