The Vikings reportedly trade for Cards OL Mason Cole
Joe Johnson
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Well well well.
Since the start of free agency the Minnesota Vikings have been linked to multiple offensive linemen either via free agency or trade. Many, including this author, had bemoaned the fact that yet again it appeared that the lack of movement in that regard while the defense was seemingly prioritized (Patrick Peterson/Dalvin Tomlinson).
Again. Well well well.
The rumors that the Vikings were looking for a trade partner ended up being true as the Vikings have reportedly finalized a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for center Mason Cole. According to Ian Rapoport the Vikings will play the 24 year old center at guard.
This is true. The #Vikings may play him at guard. https://t.co/q85Xn9kWwz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 25, 2021
Cole played at Big Ten powerhouse Michigan and was ranked the fifth best center in the 2018 Draft and was selected in the third round by the Cards.
After being named the starting center and playing all 16 games in 2018, Cole was demoted to the role of back-up interior lineman and has subsequently played two games at left guard.
The Vikings reportedly gave up a sixth-round pick for Cole. As SBNation’s Cardinal’s site points out:
“The amazing thing for the Cardinals is, they found a way to get a draft pick out of the Vikings, while dealing a player they no longer had a spot for after trading for Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson, and on top of that will be saving $2.2 million in cap space.”