BREAKING NEWS: Vikings Emerges Perfect Trade Target to Replace Struggling Starter

The Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for a strong season after starting 4-0, potentially positioning themselves as buyers at the upcoming trade deadline.

One player that fans have long coveted is Arizona Cardinals guard Will Hernandez, who could soon be on the trading block.

Adam Patrick from The Viking Age suggested Hernandez as a replacement for struggling starting guard Ed Ingram. Ingram, who has led the league in pressures allowed over the past two seasons, has already given up the sixth-most pressures (12) this year, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).

“Before the 2018 NFL Draft, many Vikings fans had their sights set on former UTEP guard Will Hernandez as their top pick. However, instead of bolstering the offensive line, the Vikings selected former UCF cornerback Mike Hughes,” Patrick noted on October 4.

With the Cardinals sitting at 1-3 and Hernandez in the last year of his contract, Arizona may be eager to regain some draft capital after choosing not to re-sign him. The Vikings executed a similar strategy last year by trading 2020 second-round pick Ezra Cleveland to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the deadline.

Hernandez would not only enhance the Vikings’ pass protection but also bring similar run-blocking potential as Ingram.

“Both players have comparable run-blocking skills, but Hernandez significantly outshines Ingram in pass protection,” Patrick explained. “Ingram ranks 65th out of 68 qualifying guards in PFF’s pass-blocking grades this season, while Hernandez holds a much better position at 23rd.”