About the Vikings Next ‘Big Move’
If the Minnesota Vikings indeed have a “big move” up their sleeve after clearing cap space via the release of Armon Watts and the trade of Jesse Davis, it will be executed on a condensed budget.
Following the Watts and Davis transactions, Vikings fans and pundits theorized “something big” on the horizon because — why offload a defensive starter in Watts and a reliable depth offensive lineman in Davis?
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The theory is sensible and shouldn’t be panned. However, to dream big about the Vikings landing a big fish may be a bit out of bounds.
Why? Well, the franchise only has about $6.5 million in cap room. While that could onboard someone notable, it’s not very much cash. It’s essentially enough dough “not to be broke.” Per OverTheCap.com, the Vikings have the 11th-fewest dollars available leaguewide.
The Vikings have been linked in the rumor mill for three months to defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. His free agency is the automatic go-to for Vikings “what will they do next?” talking points, which is fair. However, Vikings talks with the Suh — they’ve occurred; Minnesota is interested — have stalled on money throughout the summer. Suh reportedly wants more than the Vikings have in the bank.
And even clearing space to $6.5 million may not do the trick. Suh is a future Hall of Famer seemingly disinterested in playing on a team-friendly deal. Minnesota wants Suh, but does he want them on a discount? It doesn’t feel like it as of August 30th. The Vikings would probably have to restructure Eric Kendricks’ deal — like they did with Adam Thielen and Harrison Smith in the spring — to make it work.
On spitballing a big incoming move, perhaps the lens needs polish. Tyler Johnson was stunningly waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When he signs elsewhere, he won’t break the bank. Therefore, if the beholder believes Johnson-to-Vikings is a “big move” at WR5 — boom — done deal.
The same sentiment can extend to another trade for a player on a rookie contract. On Tuesday, Vikings boss Kwesi Adofo-Mensah traded for Ross Blacklock from the Houston Texans, presumably to replace the aforementioned Watts — or act as a depth defender with a Suh addition. Hours before Blacklock joined the Vikings, a Philadelphia podcast reported the Vikings and Eagles were discussing a trade for underutilized wideout Jalen Reagor, a player on a rookie deal.
Adjust your viewpoint. Is adding Tyler Johnson a big move? Just because he played for the Golden Gophers? If yes, fabulous — that can be a big move at your house.
Otherwise, the Vikings don’t have the funds to swing massive trades or scoop big-name free agents.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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