Vikings Offseason Thread 2018

I won't speculate on what he is "worth," as that is likely to take the discussion in many other directions.  I will speculate on what he will "cost."

When we traded for Sam, he was coming off an okay year and Philly had paid the large down payment on his contract.  That meant he came with two years of contract for a total of $25M dollars ($7M / $8M).  He was a former top draft pick who had an injury history and had played on crappy teams (many considered his lack of production to be more a result of his situations than his potential).  Also, we were totally desperate.  His current team was motivated to move him to make room for the new high draft pick.

There are many parallels with Smith:  top draft pick, team motivated to move him to make room for new guy
The contract situation is less favorable for KC:  he is only signed for one year, but at an "affordable" $17M (base, roster, workout).
The performance and health issues are more favorable for KC:  I am not aware of any serious injury history and his stats were among the league leaders last year

Considering all of the above, I think the asking price would be our number one pick (currently showing #30 in the draft).  Since that pick is so low in the round, KC would likely ask for more.  This may go up until draft day.  If Washington loses Cousins (hopefully to us), they may be in the bidding with their #1 pick.  Buffalo might also be in the bidding, as well as Jacksonville.  I don't think any of the weaker teams will be players in this, as they need to invest in longer term solutions.  If it gets to draft day, and nobody else has really pursued him, KC may settle for our 2019 first round choice (in part hoping it will be higher than 30).

i was more curious as to the thoughts on what he will cost....so, your post is right on.

good points.  i don't think we have a realistic shot at smith considering where we draft and what other positions we need to address vs what other teams on the playoff cusp could offer.

Buffalo has the most flexibility due to their having two first round picks. If they want a rookie, they have the ammo to move up to get their guy. If they want a vet, they can trade one of those picks for Smith and still have the other to draft somebody. Cousins may be a unique opportunity, entirely due to the Redskin's bone headedness over the past two years. They are relegated to being simply one of many bidders without any special powers, or maybe even appeal. We have a strong reputation as having a great locker room and good coaches. For a guy with as many millions as Kirk, coupled with our strong roster, hopefully that will be a deciding factor.

smith in buffalo or washington seems likely to me....


the vikes need to anoint the new OC ASAP. that move alone, might suggest a lot about what they want to do at qb. although, i imagine spielman will consider every option available. i don't think they have their minds made up at all.

I think Smith moves for a 2nd.

No one is going to budge from that after the Jimmy G deal.