Last week I posted Kwesi’s shopping spree Purple PTSD. The goal was simply to gather information from several different points and then propose a list of steps and their output points (when known).
At this point, it’s worth moving on to a discussion of Vikings trade trends.
Patterns emerge when one takes a few moments to consider the entire process and work. Identifying these trends and trends allows us to find significance and insight that helps us see more clearly what is happening in Minnesota.
Check out just three that jump off the page after spending a few minutes perusing the deals.
Vikings trade trends
Hello contradiction my old friend.
The start of the trade is a big step back for the Lions. I’m among those who still think Minnesota lost the deal. to fall twenty points at the initial stage, without getting the first of the future, it is simply not worth it.
As a running back, Adofo-Mensah began another division trade, though he turned to Wisconsin to do so. The wild thing is, he’s even returned to Detroit after trading TJ Hockenson before the NFL trade deadline during the 2022 season.
The analytical GM’s wild opening trades proved conclusively that he will not be shy about following his convictions. Outsider’s opinion does not matter. if the GM thinks he’s getting good value, he’ll pull the trigger.
A future trade with Chicago would complete the NFC North bingo card for Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
Scattered dance partners, most of which are in the AFC.
Minnesota dance partners so far.
- Detroit (x2)
- green bay
- Indianapolis (x2)
- Las Vegas (x2)
- Cleveland (x2)
- Houston
- Pittsburgh
- Philadelphia
- San Francisco
- Kansas City
Adofo-Mensah has done business with his former employers, signing deals with both Cleveland and San Francisco. The most recent deal involved sending Zadarius Smith to the Browns.
He doesn’t mind doing work within the NFC North and the broader conference, but he’s leaning toward the AFC. A total of nine of the fourteen moves have been to AFC teams. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, but it bears watching as more time unfolds. The score is 9-5 for FFA.
Moving up and down, but mostly down
A pair of NFL draft picks for a GM and a total of nine draft picks.
He began life as the Vikings’ general manager by making half a dozen trades in the 2022 NFL Draft. During the 2023 NFL Draft, Adofo-Mensah showed more restraint, cutting his total in half as he went down to just three trades. Surprisingly, he stayed at #23, selecting WR Jordan Addison instead of the available trade option.
Six of the nine projected trades should go down to pick up more pick stock. There were exceptions to the moves to acquire CB Andrew Booth Jr., CB Aquileb Evans and DT Jaquelin Roy. It’s clear that Adofo-Mensah is comfortable cashing in on some picks if it means being able to land someone he believes is capable of bringing the defense closer to respectability.
Take a look at the trade tracks to get a better sense of what Minnesota did. See trends I haven’t covered? let me know on Twitter! @VikingsGazette.
