Cleveland Browns

The Minnesota Vikings should trade for Joe Thomas

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Minnesota Vikings are looking like a very strong Super Bowl candidate and should make a run at the Cleveland Browns Joe Thomas.

This season hasn’t gone exactly as the Minnesota Vikings planned but they are still undefeated and look like one of the strongest teams in the league. However, there are some holes on the roster that could cause things to come crashing down.

The biggest issue right now is the problems along the offensive line. They have struggled to protect Sam Bradford and consistently open running lanes. This is why it’s time for General Manager Rick Spielman to work some magic.

Spielman has proven over the years that he’s an aggressive general manager who isn’t afraid to orchestrate a big trade. This year’s big move was landing Sam Bradford, but he has also put together some interesting draft-day trades.

It’s the Bradford deal that puts the Vikings in an interesting situation. This is a team that’s all in and should operate as this is their year.

A solution to the team’s biggest problem would be to call the Cleveland Browns and trade for Joe Thomas.

Thomas is still performing at an elite level and would represent a massive upgrade. He’s under contract until 2018 which would make this both a short-term and long-term move.

Cleveland is said to want a 1st round pick in exchange for Thomas. This is an issue for Minnesota because they already traded next year’s 1st rounder for Sam Bradford. However, they have something that could peek the Browns interest– Teddy Bridgewater.

It may sound a little crazy that the Vikings would trade Bridgewater for Thomas but it makes more sense the deeper you dig.

First, Bradford is under contract for next year which means they’ll have a starting quarterback on the roster. Sticking with Bradford beyond this season would help justify the high priced they paid to bring him into the mix.

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Thomas is an elite player who would greatly increase the Vikings Super Bowl chances. He also protects the team’s investment in Bradford who has a lengthy injury history. We have already seen Bradford take a beating this year and it would be smart for the Vikings to try and keep him healthy.

A one for one deal doesn’t match up which means the Browns might have to throw in a little more to acquire Bridgewater.

This trade makes sense for the Browns who are in need of a long-term answer at the quarterback position. Bridgewater is a proven commodity and would give the team some direction.

Of course, his injury could be an issue to completing the trade.

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