“Dream Trade” Probably Not Achievable for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have started the 2024 campaign with an unbeaten record, extending the streak to 5-0 on Sunday in London against the New York Jets.
“Dream Trade” Probably Not Achievable for Vikings
Accordingly, the purple team could transform into a buyer at the NFL’s trade deadline, which is Election Day and 27 days away.
And for about two weeks, Vikings fans have daydreamed about New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence as an achievable trade asset, but that theory is probably dead, especially after Week 5 around the NFL.
Here’s why.
1. Giants Front Office Must Win Now
Folks watched HBO’s Hard Knocks, and general manager Joe Schoen + head coach Brian Daboll very much sounded like a duo that needed to win now. The pair doesn’t have the luxury of swirling into the toilet and reemerging in 2025 for potential glory.
Trading Lawrence to anywhere — not just the Vikings — would signal a de facto rebuild, and Schoen + Daboll just don’t have time for it. They just don’t.
2. Playoffs within Reach for NYG
New York somewhat shockingly defeated the Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 5, likely convincing the Giants, on the whole, that they’re still in it to win it.
Of course, according to sportsbooks, New York’s odds are not favorable for reaching the dance, as it only has a 12% chance. But they won’t believe that. Sitting at 2-3 inside an NFC East division that isn’t utterly inconquerable, the Giants think they can reach the postseason. They’ll need Lawrence to get there, disqualifying any trade fodder.
3. The Money
For the sake of argument, if New York surrendered and traded Lawrence, it would eat $28 million in dead cap. Why on earth would it electively do that with a player who is not a scourge or problematic?
And even if the Giants said goodbye to Lawrence, the Vikings would have to find methods to clear cap space just to accommodate him.
The money is incredibly difficult to swallow, particularly on New York’s side of the budget.
4. Why Trade the Best Player?
Lawrence is 26.
He’s not a 30-something on the wrong side of his career. Suppose the Giants did opt for a seller’s platter at the trade deadline and held a fire sale. Well, Lawrence is still a buildable, All-Pro commodity for the future. Next to rookie wideout Malik Nabers, Lawrence would be the second untouchable player.
He’s too young to let go in any circumstance — even a rebuild that won’t get off the ground in the middle of the season.
Updates on the Vikings’ 3 Big Injuries
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His MIN obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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