Good morning, if you haven't already heard stud defensive end Khalil Mack is now within the NFC North Division after the Chicago Bears have reportedly traded two first round picks and then some to land his services.
That's a problem for the Minnesota Vikings.
It's maybe not as big of a problem as if he had gone to the Packers, but facing Mack two times a year is going to be a problem for each NFC North team, but the Vikings are facing a unique problem. Maybe it's not all that unique in today's day and age, but we know that it's not good. The Vikings number one need, the chink in their armor continues to be their offensive line. Sprinkle in some injuries that forced Nick Easton out for the season, Pat Elflein is still technically not ready to return after missing the entire offseason and preseason and then they have hampered others like Remmers and Hill...there are some big questions about the front five that are expected to protect the team's new $84 million investment Kirk Cousins.
So now what?
Cut day is today. Do the Vikings sit back and hope that a good player gets cut and then falls to them at the bottom of the waiver order? I'm not sure that they can.
So then there's another option, but you have to act fast and it might not be the cheapest option. Go out, get aggressive and seek a trade before the cut line comes and goes this afternoon. There are rumors of players that are available for trade like Colts RT Austin Howard and then there are rumors of Vikings CBs mentioned in trade talks. Could those two reports go hand-in-hand and land a new player in Minnesota to help keep Mack out of the Vikings backfield?
I'm not sure if it will as teams don't exactly give players away but if an agreement can be reached, the Vikings should be ready to go and get something done. They have to adjust their plans now that the Bears have adjusted not only their 2018 but their future as well.
If a trade can't get done, it's time to get active on that Waiver wire tomorrow and see if you can sneak somebody through to add some more depth.