Vikings Projected to Add $94 Million Pass-Rusher Before NFL Trade Deadline From Titans

Tennessee Titans could part with star DT Jeffery Simmons for the right price

The Minnesota Vikings just may be the NFL’s biggest surprise playoff contender this season thanks to a career renaissance from quarterback Sam Darnold.

As they sit with a 6-2 record and in second place in the NFC North, the Vikings could look to add some reinforcements ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. EST trade deadline.

Minnesota already traded for offensive tackle Cam Robinson from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick to replace Christian Darrisaw, who will miss the rest of the year with an ACL and MCL injury. 

Cody Benjamin from CBS Sports recently proposed the Vikings adding Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to put their pass-rush over the top.

“Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has already swung two deals, reuniting with Cam Akers and adding Cam Robinson as an emergency fill-in for the injured Christian Darrisaw,” Benjamin wrote. “Neither move cost a ton, however, and Minnesota remains in the thick of the NFC North race. Simmons would represent a blockbuster upgrade for Brian Flores' already-feisty defensive front, and he wouldn't hurt long-term plans, either.”

Simmons has three years left on his four-year, $94 million contract. His cap hit over those seasons is a manageable $22.8M, $25.4M and $28.3M, respectively, and he could be an anchor of the team’s defensive line for the foreseeable future.

The 27-year-old is tied for the team lead in pressures (19) and leads the Titans in hurries (15) and is third ins acks (three). Simmons would be an instant upgrade over Minnesota’s top two defensive tackles, Harrison Phillips and Jalen Redmond, and he’d make a pass-rush unit that already ranks sixth in sacks even more dangerous.

Simmons is still young and is a former first-round pick, so he won’t come cheap. If the rebuilding Titans would part with him — and that’s a big if — they would likely want at least a first-round pick plus more back in return.