Minnesota mostly loaded up on defensive players during the offseason of 2021. But the Vikings still made a minor move in the trade market to help the offense.
The team dealt a sixth-round pick to the Cardinals in exchange for Mason Cole. He ended up as the team’s backup center for this season. Minnesota ended up needing him in Week 9.
The Vikings placed C Garrett Bradbury on the COVID-19/Reserve list ahead of the matchup. Bradbury missed a game for the first time in his NFL career, so Cole stepped up in Bradbury’s absence. Vikings QB Kirk Cousins discussed that performance after the game:
“It was a little difficult midweek because you already had a Wednesday practice and things. Mason did a tremendous job,” Cousins said. “It’s no surprise. He has handled things so well since he got here in the spring. He was phenomenal all week with identifications and protections and being on the same page with me and the rest of the O-line. He did exactly what he thought he’d do today as far as how he handled everything at that position.”
The PFF grades from the Vikings’ matchup with the Ravens have yet to be released. That said, I didn’t notice that Cole had an especially bad game or anything. Cole tallied a PFF grade of 59.6 when he filled in during the Carolina game earlier this year.
In addition to trading for Cole, the Vikings also traded with the Jets for TE Chris Herndon.