The Minnesota Vikings find themselves at a critical juncture in their 2023 season. After losing star wide receiver Justin Jefferson to a hamstring injury in Week 5, their playoff hopes hang in the balance. While a Week 6 victory against the Chicago Bears offered a glimmer of hope, the team faces a challenging road ahead. Could a trade for Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry be the solution to their offensive woes?
The Vikings’ upcoming schedule before their Week 13 bye presents a mix of winnable games and tough matchups. They face the San Francisco 49ers, fresh off their first loss, followed by the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons. Home games against the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears, along with a road trip to Denver, round out the pre-bye week schedule. Reaching a .500 record by the bye is a realistic goal, but the Vikings need to address some key weaknesses.
Derrick Henry running with the football.
One former NFL executive believes a trade for Derrick Henry could be the catalyst for a Vikings resurgence. He argues that the Vikings possess a talented roster capable of contending in the NFC, and Henry’s presence could elevate their offense to the next level. This bold proposition raises several questions. Is Henry truly the missing piece for Minnesota? And would the Titans be willing to part with their star running back?
Currently sitting at 2-4 and last in the AFC South, the Titans are in a prime position to become sellers before the October 31st trade deadline. With Henry playing on an expiring contract, trading him for valuable draft capital becomes a compelling option for Tennessee. While the Vikings already acquired running back Cam Akers from the Los Angeles Rams, Henry represents a significant upgrade over both Akers and current starter Alexander Mattison.
Henry’s powerful running style would provide a much-needed balance to the Vikings’ offense, currently reliant on the passing game. His ability to wear down defenses and control the clock would alleviate pressure on quarterback Kirk Cousins and open up play-action opportunities.
The potential acquisition of Henry would drastically alter the Vikings’ offensive strategy. Mattison, while a capable back, lacks the game-breaking ability that Henry possesses. Henry’s presence would force defenses to stack the box, potentially creating favorable matchups for Minnesota’s remaining receiving threats.
However, acquiring Henry comes with challenges. The Vikings would need to absorb his substantial salary and surrender valuable draft picks. Furthermore, integrating a new running back mid-season requires careful planning and execution.
The Vikings’ Week 7 Monday Night Football clash against the 49ers will be a crucial test. A victory would significantly boost their playoff chances and potentially solidify their decision to pursue a trade for Henry. A loss, however, might force them to re-evaluate their strategy and focus on building for the future. The coming weeks will determine whether the Vikings make a bold move for Derrick Henry or choose a different path forward.
