Vikings Territory: Had It Not Been Sony Michel, The Rams Could Have Plucked A Vikings RB

Press release from Vikings Territory:

2021-08-25

Wednesday ushered in the morning news that the Los Angeles Rams – a team suddenly starved for a running back after injuries to Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson – traded the New England Patriots for Sony Michel, a 26-year-old Georgia alumnus.

August 25, 2021

Los Angeles probably could have limped by sans Akers for a season, pivoting to Henderson as its quasi-bellcow ball carrier. But the Henderson injury changed the stakes.

Pertaining to the Minnesota Vikings, a conversation with the Rams easily could have made sense. Running back is the deepest position on the Vikings 2021 roster – Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, Ameer Abdullah, Ito Smith, and A.J. Rose – so it’s “what could have been” for that hypothetical scenario.

A glance up and down the Vikings roster leaves an obvious observation: The Vikings could probably “get away with” trading one of their tailbacks for a draft pick(s). Outside of Dalvin Cook – the lifeblood of the Vikings offense who will not be traded – Alexander Mattison seems like a fair target.

Alas, Cook remained mostly upright in those two seasons, canceling the necessity for a bellcow contingency.

If the Michel trade was a logical indication, grabbing a 4th-Rounder for Mattison is enticing. Plus, a later-round deal sweetener is alluring as general manager Rick Spielman enjoys his Day Three draft picks.

However, a squad in a Rams-like predicament could use his services – especially if Spielman received a 4th-Round draft pick as compensation.

This press release was produced by Vikings Territory .The views expressed here are the author’s own.