The post-draft period will no doubt see a number of NFL veterans finding new homes via the free-agent and trade markets. The Vikings will be a team to watch with respect to the futures of key contributors on both sides of the ball.
Minnesota will listen to trade offers on running back Dalvin Cook and edge-rusher Za’Darius Smith, as noted by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Both players have been mentioned in trade buzz, leading to speculation that they could be on the move this offseason in the event their respective financial situations could be sorted out.
Cook emerged on other teams’ radars when general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah came short of guaranteeing he would be in the Vikings’ plans for 2023. The Dolphins emerged as a potential landing spot for the Miami native, but they have re-signed all four running backs they had last season in free agency and added a rookie (Devon Achane) at the position as well.
Adofo-Mensah recently left the door open to both Cook and backup Alexander Mattison staying together next season, but the latter could provide a cost-effective replacement option for Cook if he were to be dealt. The Vikings have also added DeWayne McBride in the seventh round of this year’s draft, giving the team added depth in the backfield.
Cook, 27, only has guaranteed money on his deal in 2023, but is set to carry cap figures between $14.1M and $15.6M in each of the next three seasons. As Breer notes, a reworked contract would be needed to lower those figures and make a trade possible. Trading the four-time Pro Bowler would yield considerable cap savings both before or after June 1.
Dealing Smith after that date would also result in notable breathing space for the Vikings. The 30-year-old made it clear last month that he wanted to be released, a development which was understandably met by the team with a response indicating they would not grant that request. Smith appeared to have a deal in place to return to the Ravens last offseason, but he backed out of it to sign a three-year pact in Minnesota instead.
If he were to agree to a reworked contract, Smith could generate trade a market for his services given his continued production (including 10 sacks last season and a third career Pro Bowl nod). The Vikings did not draft any edge-rushers this weekend, which could give them added reason to keep Smith. They will entertain offers, though, which could result in a notable move or two in the near future.
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