Should the Vikings Trade a 5th Round Pick for Larry Fitzgerald?

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Nov 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) and running back Adrian Peterson (28) pose for a photo with Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals are a mess. They got slaughtered across the pond by the LA Rams, suddenly appearing a little bit older and more vulnerable. Not only did they get shutout 33-0, they lost their starting quarterback Carson Palmer for likely the entire season. Other teams need to be smelling the blood in the water and poach one of their aging stars away for a discount price.

I had an idea yesterday:

It so happens that the Minnesota Vikings have been snakebitten with their own injury luck at wide receiver. Who says no for a 5th round pick for Larry Fitzgerald? Not only do you get to bring this future hall of famer back to his home state but Minnesota will still get him while he’s productive (see below). Fitz has transitioned beautifully at his age and thrived in a new role: the slot (where the Vikings could use help).

I know fans will be hesitant to give up another late round pick for an aging wideout, after what happened with the Mike Wallace debacle, but Fitzgerald to MN makes sense for both sides. It’s been awhile since Fitz has had a reason to play inspired, playoff driven football. He’d land on a Vikings team with their eyes on the prize and an easy path to the playoffs at this point. Diggs and Thielen are versatile enough to man the outsides while Larry takes slot duties. His man vs. zone awareness and soft hands fit this primarily west coast conservative offensive system.

A rejuvenated Larry Fitzgerald on a playoff team again is enough for me to give up a 5th round pick for. Rick Spielman has done well in the late rounds of recent drafts, but he’s also a trade magnet who has a knack for acquiring multiple picks. I view this as a relatively low risk, high reward scenario. Laquon Treadwell isn’t ready to contribute let’s face the facts. And who better to learn from than a player like Fitzgerald who’s gotten the very best out of his ability and is a proven pro. Even for a rental, I’m all in on the idea of acquiring a player of this caliber when the Cardinals are at their breaking point.

Let us know what you think:

Dane Mosher @DaneMosher7
Minnesota Sports Fan
MinnesotaSportsFan.com @RealMNSportsFan

Sources: NFL.com, Pro-Football-Reference

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