The Minnesota Vikings may have missed out on drafting Travis Etienne Jr., but they are now in a prime position to acquire the running back who will replace him in New Orleans. As free agency begins, the Vikings have emerged as the ideal trade partner for the $25 million running back.
After a disappointing 2020 season, the Vikings are looking to revamp their roster and make a strong comeback in the upcoming season. One of their top priorities is to strengthen their running game, which was lacking last year. With the departure of veteran running back, Dalvin Cook, the Vikings are in desperate need of a talented and reliable replacement. And that’s where the opportunity to trade for the highly coveted running back in New Orleans comes in.
The New Orleans Saints have recently signed Alvin Kamara to a $75 million, five-year contract extension. This has put them in a bind when it comes to their salary cap, leaving little room for them to make any significant moves in free agency. As a result, they are now open to trading one of their top running backs, Latavius Murray, who has a $25 million contract over the next three years.
Murray has been a consistent performer for the Saints, rushing for over 1,000 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns in the past two seasons. He is known for his powerful running style and his ability to break tackles, making him a valuable asset for any team in need of a strong running game. And with the Vikings in dire need of a reliable running back, Murray seems like the perfect fit.
Not only does Murray possess the skills and experience that the Vikings are looking for, but he also has a connection with the team. Murray spent the 2017 season with the Vikings and had a successful stint, rushing for 842 yards and scoring eight touchdowns. He is familiar with the team’s system and has already built a rapport with some of the players, making him an easy fit into the Vikings’ offense.
Moreover, the Vikings have the necessary assets to make a trade with the Saints. They have a surplus of draft picks, including two third-round picks and two fourth-round picks, which they can use to sweeten the deal. This would be a win-win situation for both teams, as the Saints would be able to free up some cap space while the Vikings would acquire a top-tier running back without having to break the bank.
The addition of Murray to the Vikings’ roster would also benefit their star quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Cousins had a solid season last year, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns. However, he struggled in the red zone, and the lack of a strong running game was a major factor in that. With Murray in the backfield, Cousins would have a reliable option to hand the ball off to in crucial situations, taking some pressure off of him and allowing him to perform at his best.
In addition to his on-field abilities, Murray would also bring a veteran presence to the Vikings’ young running back group. With Cook being the only experienced back on the roster, Murray’s leadership and experience would be invaluable in mentoring the younger players and helping them develop their skills.
The Vikings have a history of making successful trades for running backs, most notably the trade for Cook in 2017. And with the opportunity to acquire a proven talent like Murray, they would be foolish not to make a move. This trade would not only address their immediate need for a running back but also set them up for success in the long run.
In conclusion, the Minnesota Vikings are in a prime position to trade for Latavius Murray, and it would be a move that would greatly benefit the team. With his skills, experience, and connection to the team, Murray would be the perfect replacement for Cook and a valuable addition to the Vikings’ roster. This trade has the potential to elevate the Vikings’ running game and help them make a strong comeback in the upcoming season.