The Minnesota Vikings need help at defensive tackle, and there’s one player who now appears to be on the trade block.
On April 14, NFL Network reported, citing sources, that the New York Giants and standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II have hit a standstill in negotiations on a new contract extension.
Moreover, the report mentions that New York has engaged with teams on a potential trade for Lawrence, which will now continue ahead of the NFL draft, which begins on April 23.
From a Vikings perspective, Lawrence would make their defense even more vaunting and address a major need in the interior part of the line with the departures of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen this offseason.
Nonetheless, former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber is urging Minnesota to steer clear of Lawrence and not give up any draft capital.
“I don’t think [the Vikings are] in a position to be spending equity right now or in the future,” Leber said during an April 16 appearance on KFAN. “The messaging has been about acquiring as much talent as possible and creating as much competition as we can, really across the board. When you look at every position group, there isn’t one I’d consider untouchable when it comes to the draft or free agency, including offensive tackle.
“It’s not a top priority. Obviously, there’s a list, but there’s no spot where you’d say, ‘We’re set there.’ If the best player is available, I think you at least have to consider it. That said, I don’t see this team making splashy moves to go out and get someone like Dexter Lawrence, even though he’d be a great fit in this scheme.”
Minnesota Urged to Make Only One Decision at the NFL Draft
Moreover, Leber believes the Vikings should trade only if they are trading back to secure more draft capital.
“I think they hold onto their assets, avoid big moves on draft day and are more likely to trade back, if anything, to add more depth and competition. So the chances of landing Dexter Lawrence feel pretty low,” Leber added.
Last season with the Giants, Lawrence earned a 75.6 overall PFF defensive grade, ranking ninth among 134 qualified interior defensive linemen.
Moreover, his 84.5 pass-rush grade ranked seventh among that group, while his 57.0 run-defense grade came in 56th at the position. He also generated 34 total pressures as a pass rusher, including 27 hurries and seven hits, but no sacks. Against the run, he recorded 22 solo tackles.
Vikings Named as Potential Landing Spot for Veteran
Another veteran defensive player who the Vikings have been linked to in the speculation mill. In his April 13 column for Sports Illustrated, NFL insider Albert Breer mentioned the Vikings as a potential trade partner for the Indianapolis Colts in a deal for Kenny Moore II.
“As for potential landing spots, I think Dallas would be one, with the nickel being an important piece in new coordinator Christian Parker’s defense and the Cowboys having a hole after Jourdan Lewis’s departure to the Jaguars last year,” Breer wrote.
“The Vikings are another potential fit, with Moore’s versatility meshing, at least on paper, with how DC Brian Flores builds his defense. Those teams being in the NFC should also make them likely suitors, assuming Indy would rather not help out a conference rival.”
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