Stefon Diggs has been acting suspicious on social media, which has created some doubt as to whether Diggs will stay in Minnesota for the entirety of his contract.
His contract runs until 2023. The Vikings save $5.5 million if they trade him before June 1, but still have to pay $9 million of his contract in dead money — and that’s just for next season, Over The Cap reported.
However, if Diggs hypothetically forced the team’s hand, they could probably get a pretty big haul in a trade. A lot of teams are looking for a wideout with the big-play ability Diggs has at times.
I think the Vikings could easily get a first-round pick, possibly even two in some contexts. Just one first round pick would likely have to be paired with a pretty big name from the opposing team if the trade was to be worth it for the Vikings. And Minnesota could very well need a cornerback next season.
The Patriots’ Stephon Gilmore proved to be a shut-down corner last season and the Vikings would only owe him just over $3.3 million in 2020 if a trade was to be made before June 1, per Over The Cap.
However, Gilmore alone would not warrant a trade for Diggs, unless the Vikings lose leverage in the deal for whatever reason. I also think New England would have to throw in another player, or possibly another pick in addition to a first rounder, if they wanted to land Diggs.
Another option would be to trade just for picks. The Vikings might be content with their place in the 2020 draft at No. 25, but if they wanted to get a pick that was better, trading Diggs would obviously help. He could possibly command two first round picks and maybe even a third or fourth rounder, too.
In my opinion, it’s not the best idea. The Vikings are trading a known, quality player, in hopes of drafting a player of a similar caliber. I think you can’t do it if that’s all you’re getting, but it’s still a possibility if the Vikings are blown away by one of deals. Here’s to hoping Diggs doesn’t publicly declare he wants out or anything crazy like that.