This Vikings-Chargers Trade for Desmond King Will Address Minnesota's Secondary Issues
By Michael Luciano
A former fifth-round pick out of Iowa, Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Desmond King has quickly become one of the best slot cornerbacks in all of football, and his presence is one of the reasons Gus Bradley has been able to build an elite secondary in LA.
Unfortunately, the Chargers might be in the process of trading King, as new signing Chris Harris is expected to play in the slot. Having lost Trae Waynes, Xavier Rhodes and Mackensie Alexander in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings should be trying to swing a deal for King as soon as possible.
There's a "chance" the #Chargers may trade CB Desmond King, according to @danielrpopper
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 8, 2020
With the Chargers signing CB Chris Harris, it makes a lot of sense since both players are best defending the slot
King is a first team All-Pro DB [2018] and second team All-Pro as a returner pic.twitter.com/0VNIiycgrz
King, a free agent after this season, has a relatively cheap $2.2 million cap hit that will make it easy for a team like Minnesota to trade for him.
The Vikings have their original second-round pick in this draft, and they own two third-round picks. Trading one second-rounder or both third-rounders to LA could be enough convince Tom Telesco to part ways with an elite corner with plus return ability in King.
#Chargers are right back in this thing: Desmond King takes the punt 73 yards for the TD. pic.twitter.com/gOLYCl0QDp
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 3, 2018
Minnesota is in need of secondary replacements in the worst way imaginable after losing three contributors from last year's team, but King's versatility and feistiness in the slot are all requirements for someone to play DB under Mike Zimmer. If Rick Spielman starts to feel bold, he should surrender one of his Day 2 selections and pick up the phone ASAP.