Rams could force Vikings’ hand with desperate Jimmy Garoppolo trade

The Los Angeles Rams can thank general manager Les Snead for a deep and talented roster. As the team emerges from its Week 8 BYE, the team has already made one trade to bolster the cornerback position. Still, with nearly a week to go until November 4, the team could be active once more. The question is, will the team be buying or selling?

We'd suggested that the performance of quarterback Stetson Bennett opens the door to opportunity for the team to field trade offers for veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. No, the team has not dangled Jimmy G as trade bait. But if an NFL team is desperate enough and familiar enough with LA's backup quarterback, it might make an offer that general manager Les Snead cannot refuse.

Right now, the Minnesota Vikings might be that desperate.

Right now, the 3-4 Vikings know that they must do something or accept the likelihood of going home at season's end. With an injury to quarterback Carson Wentz, the team is starting J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy has struggled this season, making Garoppolo an attractive option to salvage its season.

Rams could force Vikings to overpay for Jimmy Garoppolo

Any trade between Los Angeles and Minnesota will be initiated by the Vikings' front office. LA needn't do a thing. While some may view Atlanta Falcons veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as a better option, his salary cap hit negates the deal at its inception. Garoppolo is the most logical and economical option available.

Which means that the Vikings must be prepared to pay a premium to acquire him. And the latest NFL trade deadline from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter continues to fuel speculation that the Vikings will trade for a veteran quarterback before the deadline.

The question is, even if Snead loves the package offered for his backup QB, does he pull the trigger? He should. The team is getting an elite season out of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. And the team already understands that it must shop for a successor in the upcoming offseason. Right now, Garoppolo is projected to become a free agent at season's end.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell would love to trade for Jimmy G. He runs a Sean McVay-inspired offense that would be easily adaptable for him. Best of all, he is easy on the salary cap. Will it happen? Perhaps not. But it could, and from the Vikings' perspective, it should.

The season is at the mid-point. Now is when healthier NFL teams make their moves to secure a berth in the NFL playoffs. The Vikings need help to do so, help that is just a phone call away. But it's going to cost them dearly. As always, thanks for reading.