NFL Trade Rumors: Minnesota Vikings Targeting Star Offensive Lineman

The Minnesota Vikings were linked to Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft. After Thursday’s first round, the team is reportedly focused on acquiring the star offensive lineman.

According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Vikings are one of three teams showing interest in Williams. ESPN.com’s Courtney Cronin has reported that Washington rejected Minnesota’s trade offer of a Day 3 draft pick last week, but the Vikings believe they have a chance to make a deal with their remaining picks.

Minnesota has 12 picks on the final two days of the draft. The Vikings own the No.58 overall pick in the second round as well as the No.89 and No.105 pick in Friday’s third round. The team’s Day 3 picks include two fourth-rounders and a pair of fifth rounds.

This really could end soon or just continue. Skins will hold firm for an asking price. Or, at least, don't want to just give him away now. So willing to wait. Not a distraction; nobody's in the building now anyway and might not be for months.
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 24, 2020

feel very much in the race to land the left tackle. They have the draft capital to do it, with 12 picks for Days 2/3. But there are still a couple unknowns. Many of you have sent me questions about how the Vikings can afford Williams? Yes, they'd have to make space for him on the
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) April 24, 2020

The San Francisco 49ers traded the No.31, No.117 and No.176 pick to Minnesota in exchange for the No.25 overall selection Thursday night.

The Vikings picked TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney with the 31st pick. Minnesota used the No.22 pick, which it received from the Buffalo Bills in March as part of the Stefon Diggs trade, on LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

The offensive line is among the Vikings’ greatest needs. Kirk Cousins was sacked six times in Minnesota’s 27-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional playoffs.

The Cleveland Browns have also been linked to Williams. Cleveland selected offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. with the No.10 pick in the first round.

Williams has been seeking a trade since before the start of last season. The veteran held out until the trade deadline and didn’t play a single game in 2019.

Williams made the Pro Bowl every year from 2012-2018. He has one year left on his contract.