ESPN reported that Carolina guard Trai Turner might be traded.
If that were to happen, the Vikings should at least be in the conversation. Let’s say the move actually came to fruition, how would Minnesota’s offensive line change?
It would be great if Turner could play tackle, but the Pro Bowl guard would still be a valuable addition to the team. Cincinnati tackle Cordy Glenn is also a candidate to get traded, per ESPN, but he’s not the same player as Turner.
Josh Kline and Pat Elflein were solid in 2019-20, but an addition of a guard like Turner changes the entire outlook of the positional group. Turner’s primary position is right guard, while Elflein’s current position is left guard, but Turner is good enough to switch sides if he were to come to the Vikings. The team could also switch Kline to the other side if Turner can’t adjust.
I think Turner moves to left guard, and Elflein fights for the center spot with Garrett Bradbury. Elflein had the starting center spot before Bradbury was drafted, then he moved to left guard for this season.
If Bradbury wins the spot, Elflein could fill in on the interior offensive line if anyone got hurt. If Elflein wins it and any other interior starting lineman gets hurt, Bradbury can come in at center and Elflein can move to wherever the injured player was starting.
It increases the depth of the offensive line and adds a star interior guy who will likely improve the Vikings’ already-strong rushing game. If Minnesota parts ways with Riley Reiff, the team can still find value in a draft that’s strong for tackles. If a move for Turner was to be made, the potential for the Vikings’ offensive line goes way up.