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In the NFL, more often than not, when it rains – it pours. This is true for the Minnesota Vikings who currently boast the league’s best rushing attack but the same can’t be said for the team’s air attack. Kirk Cousins struggles have continued through to this season which has caused a huge amount of frustration for Vikings fans and Viking players alike. More specifically the Vikings dynamic receiving duo of Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs.
This past Sunday, Diggs sparked rumours by posting a cryptic tweet signalling dissatisfaction with the current situation in Minnesota. This was followed by Adam Thielen publicly calling out Kirk Cousins and the Vikings offensive game planning. So, with things close to being code red for the Vikings, its time to indulge ourselves and see which three teams have a chance of trading for Stefon Diggs.
The San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers currently sit atop of the NFC unbeaten with a 3-0 record. Despite their unbeaten record many still claim the Niners to be ‘pretenders’.
Pretenders or not, there is no denying the fact that this team is close to making the leap and becoming a real powerhouse in the NFL. While the defence has established itself as one of the best in the league through three weeks, the offence has been ‘hit and miss’.
Jimmy Garoppolo struggled in his first game back against Tampa Bay but looked markedly improved against the Bengals in Week 2 and the Steelers in Week 3. However, the San Francisco offence did turn the ball over 5 times against the Steelers and there has been no real emergence of a number one receiver in the Bay Area.
The 49ers have invested significant draft capital at the wide-out position in recent years, drafting Dante Pettis in the 2nd round in 2018 and Deebo Samuel in the 2nd round in 2019. Although it is still very early in both these talents’ careers, Kyle Shanahan has expressed dissatisfaction in the pairs development.
The rookie Deebo Samuel , Dante Pettis, Richie James Jr. and Marquise Goodwin are all very good number 2 or 3 options, but you need more on a real contender. Stefon Diggs’ addition would move this promising SF unit from ‘spooky’ to downright scary.
While John Lynch has expressed willingness to involve himself in big time trades (the Niners were in the hunt for Khalil Mack and OBJ) the 49ers are deep at wide receiver and expecting slot WR Trent Taylor off IR by Week 8. Shanahan has proved himself capable of acquiring NFL calibre offensive talent on the cheap and with needs at offensive line and cornerback, I do not see the Niners giving up what would be required for Stefon Diggs but do not rule it out.
The Philadelphia Eagles
Would this even be a possible trade scenario list if we didn’t include Howie Roseman and the Eagles?
Roseman’s resurgence in the aftermath of the Chip Kelly years has been nothing short of extraordinary. Roseman led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl by being smart, but also daring in the trade market. Ever since then, whenever a high profile NFL talent expresses discomfort at their current team, they are automatically linked with Philly.
This time however, it actually makes sense. The Eagles are a talented roster but extremely banged up at the moment. DeSean Jackson looked gangbusters in Week 1 but has been sidelined since Week 2. Alshon Jeffery missed Week 3 and is currently playing with a less than ideal calf muscle. The high profile drops of Nelson Agholor and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside have been well documented.
The Eagles are Super Bowl contenders this year, and after a shaky start, Roseman would be smart to solidify this team’s status as title hopefuls before a big drop costs them their season. Don’t be surprised if Diggs ends up on the Eagles.
The New England Patriots
Ah yes, the Patriots. After their drama ridden dealings with Oakland Raiders legend Antonio Brown earlier this season, nothing can be ruled out when the dark lord himself Bill Belichick is calling the shots.
Jokes aside, the Patriots are struggling at wide receiver. It seems every year this team is a Julian Edelman injury away from having no one to throw the ball to, this is especially true this season due to Rob Gronkowski‘s retirement. The Pats struggled on offence against their first real test this season in the Buffalo Bills, only being able to muster 150 yards throwing the ball. While it is true the Bills have a stout defence, the Patriots need to be capable of producing more. Especially when the defence doesn’t have to face Josh Allen or Matt Barkley.
2019 first round pick N’Keal Harry is on IR until at least Week 8. Even when he returns it is very rare that rookie wide receivers make any sort of significant impact, especially when coming off an injury. Josh Gordon is producing well this year, 14 receptions for 221 yards and 1 touchdown so far, but we are all accustomed to Gordon’s unreliability. Philip Dorsett is a tidy enough player but will never likely become the guy on a Super Bowl contender.
This team is one star away from challenging the Chiefs to the AFC crown and eventually the Lombardi. I know that, we know that and Belichick knows that. Why do you think he signed crack-pot Antonio Brown? Diggs in a Patriot uniform will quite possibly be in our nightmares and on the gridiron soon.
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