With the trade of standout edge rusher, Yannick Ngakoue, it looks like the Minnesota Vikings may be entering a full rebuild. Through the first six games of the season, the Vikings have been one of the biggest surprises in the league sitting at a measly 1-5. The team’s defense has fallen off a cliff and quickly become one of the worst in the league even with some incredible players still on the roster. The Ngakoue trade opens up the rumor mill so let’s dive in and see what players we might see the Cleveland Browns try to trade for.
The Cleveland Browns have given up the sixth most passing yards per game so far this season, allowing opposing quarterbacks to throw for an average of 271.7 yards per game. With a secondary barred with injuries, this unit desperately needs help. The offseason additions of Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo have not paid off in the slightest and have shown the gaping hole that is the safety position on this roster. Crazy thing is, it just so happens that Vikings have incredible players at that position and if they do go into a rebuild, they could end up being available.
Potential Vikings to keep an eye on at the trade deadline:
Riley Reiff
Anthony Harris
Harrison Smith
Kyle RudolphAnd… Mike Zimmer
— Brad Spielberger (@PFF_Brad) October 22, 2020
Anthony Harris had an incredible season last year for the Vikings. In 14 games he recorded 60 tackles, 11 passes defended, one fumble recovery, one touchdown and six interceptions, which was tied for the league lead. Harris is currently playing on a franchise tag worth just under $11.5 million and it makes sense that the Vikings look to trade him if a deal can’t get done. Harris would be an immediate upgrade over Sendejo and would push this Browns defense into the “elite” tier among the likes of the Colts, Steelers, Ravens and Bills.
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Now to Karl Joseph’s replacement! Harrison Smith, one of the best players at his position since he came into the league in 2012, is still an elite safety at 31 years old. A five-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro, his experience and leadership would greatly influence this young Browns locker room as well as be a huge contributor on the field.
Obviously it would be hard for the Browns to acquire both players but either one of them would greatly improve this defense. With the help in the secondary, the Browns might legitimately be Super Bowl contenders next year if not this year.
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