Breaking news as we dive into a potential game-changing move for the Minnesota Vikings: what if Myles Garrett could join the defense alongside Brian Flores? With the defensive line already making strides after an upgrade last offseason, the addition of Garrett could take it to an entirely new level.
The Vikings’ defensive success this past season was driven largely by improved edge rushers like Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. With them in place, the Vikings finished 5th in both sacks and scoring defense. But imagine the impact if a player like Garrett, a defensive powerhouse, was on the roster.
However, acquiring someone of Garrett’s caliber isn’t simple—it would come with a hefty price tag. So, how could the Vikings possibly make a move for him? Dan Orlovsky recently weighed in on ESPN’s Get Up, sharing his thoughts on a potential trade scenario. He laid out an interesting strategy:
“The starting point of all this is what does Cleveland believe about these quarterbacks in this draft? Cam Ward? Shadour Sanders? They have the second pick, and if they like one—or even both—they might be more patient. But if they’re not convinced by either, that’s when you call the Minnesota Vikings. You discuss what they think about Sam Darnold and if they want him. You could ask if they’d consider pulling JJ McCarthy away from them, and if Myles is part of that.”
It’s a complicated chain of decisions. If the Vikings were to pursue Darnold, would they part with McCarthy? It’s not an easy choice, but the idea of adding a player like Garrett—who is likely on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame—could sway things.
Another intriguing possibility: Could the Vikings prioritize JJ McCarthy? If so, would they then franchise-tag Darnold as a backup plan? These are all moving pieces that would make any potential Garrett trade a complex one.
At the heart of it all, it’s hard to imagine that Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings’ General Manager, wouldn’t explore this opportunity, even if initial talks don’t lead to anything concrete. After all, his connection with Andrew Berry—Cleveland’s GM—could play a key role in making discussions easier.
Stay tuned as these trade talks unfold. The Vikings might be closer to a major defensive boost than we think!
