Vikings Aim To Fortify Defense With Projected Trade For Pass Rusher Jeffery Simmons Before NFL Trade Deadline As Vikings ALL Pro Undergo Surgery To Miss At Least 8 Games
The Minnesota Vikings might just be one of the NFL’s biggest surprise playoff contenders this season, thanks in large part to a career resurgence from quarterback Sam Darnold. With a 6-2 record and sitting in second place in the NFC North, the Vikings could look to bolster their roster before the upcoming trade deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET
Already, the Vikings have made a move by acquiring offensive tackle Cam Robinson from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick. This was in response to the loss of Christian Darrisaw, who will miss the remainder of the season due to an ACL and MCL injury.
Now, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin has proposed the Vikings pursue Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, which would provide a significant boost to their pass rush as they look to strengthen their playoff push.
“Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has already made two moves, reuniting with Cam Akers and acquiring Cam Robinson as an emergency replacement for the injured Christian Darrisaw,” wrote Benjamin. “Neither deal came at a high cost, and Minnesota remains firmly in the NFC North race. Adding Simmons would be a major upgrade to Brian Flores’ already aggressive defensive front, and it wouldn’t compromise the team’s long-term plans either.”
Simmons has three years remaining on his four-year, $94 million contract. His cap hits for the next few seasons are manageable at $22.8 million, $25.4 million, and $28.3 million, making him a viable long-term piece for Minnesota’s defensive line. The 27-year-old is tied for the Titans’ team lead with 19 pressures, leads the team in hurries with 15, and ranks third in sacks with three.
Simmons would immediately upgrade Minnesota’s defensive line, especially over their current top two tackles, Harrison Phillips and Jalen Redmond. His addition would further strengthen a pass-rush unit that already ranks sixth in sacks, making it even more formidable.
As a former first-round pick and still in the prime of his career, Simmons won’t come cheap. If the rebuilding Titans are willing to part with him—and that remains uncertain—they would likely demand at least a first-round pick, along with additional compensation.
