As the Vikings prepare for the stretch run in a season during which they’ve surprising emerged as contender, a position where they once had an embarrassment of riches is now embarrassingly thin.
Beyond Percy Harvin, one of the best wideouts in the league, the Vikings don’t have much. Jerome Simpson has been disappointing so far. Others on the roster haven’t stepped up.
So why not get help? With the trade deadline five days away and several teams in a serious state of flux, the Vikings should be making phone calls about possible trade acquisitions.
The most intriguing possibility, in our view, is Panthers receiver Steve Smith. The 11-year veteran launched his career at the Metrodome with a game-opening kickoff against the Vikings, fueling what would be the only win of his rookie season. He thereafter torched the Vikings for 201 receiving yards in 2005 and 157 in 2008.
Regardless of whether they make a play for Smith or another veteran receiver, via trade or free agency, the Vikings need to upgrade if they hope to compete with the Bears and Packers, teams the Vikings will play four times in the final six games of the season.