Vikings Trade Buzz Centers Around Two Players

The Minnesota Vikings are in pole position in the NFC North as Week 7 is underway. Sitting at 5-0 and undefeated in divisional games, nobody has a better chance to make the playoffs in the NFC North than they do. Some suggest they could increase their chances with a trade.

Jerry Markarian of Heavy discussed two names that have been floated as potential trade candidates out of Minnesota for someone in return. Here's what Markarian had to say about linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. and Jay Ward in their chances of being traded from the team.

"Pace has been limited to 47 defensive snaps thus far, while Ward has played a grand total of two snaps. Considering how much success Flores' unit has found thus far, there's little reason to expect anything to change in that regard.

Ward's lack of impact isn't shocking with how much depth the Vikings have in the safety room (preseason standout Jacob Thomas has also been limited to only 22 snaps). However, many expected Pace to play a bigger role this season. ...

While neither Pace nor Ward are in a prime position to help Minnesota win games, they are one (or two, in Ward's case) injuries away from being thrust into the lineup. With the Vikings sitting at 5-0 and hoping to make a run at the Super Bowl, that could be a significant deterrent to trade either player away.

If they move on from either player, then a player-for-player swap would seem more likely. They could also be included in a package that would see the Vikings take a bigger swing on someone who could help them for the stretch run."

The Vikings may not necessarily need the two players to play a major role on defense, but they certainly could use their help on special teams. And as Markarian states, they could easily be called upon in the event that Minnesota endures an injury before the postseason.

Depth is important but so is building the best possible roster. The Vikings will need to weigh the importance of keeping their strong defense intact or strengthening their offense. As to how much the offense could actually improve via trade, that all depends on what the Vikings are willing to give up and what contracts they are willing to take on.

The Vikings will look to sort all of it out over the next two weeks.