NFL News and Updates 2016: Preseason Trade Between Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles a 'Win-win'; Sam Bradford, Carson Wentz Defying Expectations
In the NFL, or in any other sport, trades are always the riskiest of propositions. Dismantling a team's core for a chance at supremacy in a league that is constantly changing, general managers may either win or lose in the gamble.
Usually, the scales are tipped to one side of the teams involved. On some occasions, both teams wish they had not gone with the deal at all. The most recent example were the Washington Redskins and the Los Angeles Rams. The Redskins traded picks to move up on the draft and acquire Robert Griffin III.
RG3 was Rookie of the Year in 2012, but that was all he would be as a brief, disappointing career with Washington made him leave for the Cleveland Browns. The Rams, meanwhile, was not able to capitalize on their new picks, either.
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Some teams pull off the rare win-win scenario. In the case of the trade surprise near the start of the 2016 NFL season, the risk is warranted—so far.
Unexpected breakthroughs
The Minnesota Vikings lost rising centerpiece Teddy Bridgewater to an ACL injury in training camp and their positive outlook for the 2016 season suddenly looked dim. What they had left was veteran Shaun Hill, who was not expected to carry the whole team to division victory.
The Philadelphia Eagles were able to give them a reprieve, but at the time, it was not that positive. 28-year-old quarterback Sam Bradford was the Vikings' desperation option, costing them a 2017 first-round pick and a 2018 fourth-rounder in a win-now move.
The Eagles, meanwhile, had to move up rookie QB Carson Wentz to the starting spot. At the time, Wentz had only played an underwhelming game at the start of the preseason, before succumbing to injuries.
Then, everything fell into place. Wentz led his team to a 3-0 record and is ranking sixth in passing over the past three weeks in his first NFL year. The 2016 No. 2 overall pick has yet to turn over the ball, helping his team deliver a 34-3 blowout vs. Super Bowl favorite Pittsburgh Steelers in their last game.
Bradford is also doing wonders for the Vikings, ranking fourth in passing after an injury-riddled career in Philly. He had also developed chemistry with wide receiver Adrian Peterson early in the season.
Both teams and players, however, face huge obstacles as the season progresses. Peterson and other stars are sidelined with injuries from the Vikings roster. Wentz, meanwhile, would have a target on his back as teams may have already figured out his play.
Still, the trade is considered a brilliant move from both front offices. They will meet in battle on October 23, with Bradford returning to Lincoln Financial Field in Philly for the first time as a visitor.
