Adding Pieces to the Puzzle: Five Players Vikings Should Bring To Minneapolis

Even though it was only Week 1, the Minnesota Vikings looked really bad. Brett Favre truly showed his age in the opening game loss against the Saints. The only thing I was impressed with was the Vikings defense. Holding the NFL's best offense to only 14 points was a major sigh of relief. The defense will have to be the anchor of this team to keep them in contention of reaching its goal.

The loss of Sidney Rice was a noticeably large blow to this offense. Favre had major problems stretching the field to all the small receivers. It was also obvious that the Vikings are going to ride Adrian Peterson's back until Rice is able get back on the field.

There are six playoff spots in each conference: Four division winners and two Wild Cards. As a diehard Viking fan, I still think think the Packers are going to win the NFC North. We have to also assume that the NFC East will have two teams in the playoffs. The other divisions will most likely be won by the Saints and whatever team that comes out of the NFC Worst (West).

That means it will most likely come down to the Vikings, Falcons, or the third team in the NFC East (Personally, I think the Giants) for the final playoff spot. To keep the dream alive, I have assembled a list of players that the Vikings should look into trading for.

1. Vincent Jackson

Robert Laberge/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 17: Wide receiver Vincent Jackson #83 of the San Diego Chargers runs with the ball after a catch against the New York Jets during AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium on January 17, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo b

The biggest concern I have with the offense is the lack of height in our current wide receivers. Jackson is 6'5", and would be a huge target for Favre to find in the end zone. Jackson is in a contract dispute with the Chargers as well facing a three-game suspension for violating the leagues conduct policy and another three-game suspension from being placed on San Diego's roster-exempt list. I believe we could get this Pro Bowler for either a 2011 first round pick, a 2011 second and third round pick, or a 2011 second round pick and conditional 2/3 pick based on performance in 2012.

Franchises hold too much value on draft picks for some apparent reason. All those scenarios would be worth it to me for a young Pro Bowl receiver.

2. Fred Jackson

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 12: Fred Jackson #22 of the Buffalo Bills is forced out of bounds by Jason Allen #32 of the Miami Dolphins during the NFL season opener at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. Miami won 15-10.

Jackson, who is 29 years old, would be an excellent backup and third down back for Brett Favre. Even Peterson's greatness will need time to rest. Besides, catching out of the backfield is not really Peterson's forte. He would replace the void that was left by Chester Taylor did last year in Minnesota. They could offer the Bills Albert Young and a sixth round pick, a fourth round pick, or possibly a conditional pick in 2012 to make space for Spiller and Lynch.

3. Steve Smith

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 12: Steve Smith #89 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates his touchdown against the New York Giants on September 12, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Sorry Panthers fans, but your team looks like it is going nowhere this season. It is time to look to the future and build your team in the draft. If they believe this scenario, they will look to trade Steve Smith. Even though Smith is not a tall receiver, he is a huge playmaker and will go up against anyone to grab the ball. His best years are probably behind him, but playing with a legitimate quarterback in Favre could rejuvenate his career and help the Vikings make one more push at a Super Bowl run.

He could be required for a 2011 second round pick, a 2012 second round pick and late round pick in 2011 or 2012, or 2011 and 2012 third round picks.

4. Mike Sims-Walker

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 13: Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is tackled by Gibril Wilson #28 of the Miami Dolphins during the game at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Dolpnins won 14-1

After a disappointing game of ZERO receptions, you may think I am crazy for suggesting this possible acquisition. However, this guy had a breakout season with over 1,000 yards receiving. Keep in mind to that his quarterback is David Garrard, a guy who is ranked in my opinion as the No. 25 quarterback at best.

If this big time receiver could find himself in the Twin Cities, he would bring energy and create mismatches in the end zone. He is young and still has not reached his full potential. A second or third round pick would be ideal for both sides. The only place the Jaguars are going in the next few years is Los Angeles.

5. Randy Moss

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - JANUARY 16: Wide receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings walks walks off the field after his team's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC divisional playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 16, 2005 in Philadelphia,

Now, before you go on, you may think that this is very unlikely for two reasons. First, he is on the Patriots that need him to take pressure off of Wes Welker. Not to mention to that this team has Super Bowl aspirations as well. Second, many believe that this reunion would never happen in a million years. Case closed right?

As you may have heard this week, Randy Moss has been having some "business" issues with the Patriots. If they believe they can win without him this year, Minnesota has to jump on this deal. He is right about that the Patriots are not going to sign them this year.

The Patriots have The Raiders first round pick this year (a.k.a a guarenteed top 10 pick) and I believe they will use that pick on one of the talented wide receivers that will be in the draft next year such as A.J. Green, Julio Jones, or Michael Floyd. Moss would easily become Favre's go-to guy. Once Rice comes back, the Vikings would have the most talented receiving core in recent history.

Conclusion

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings at Louisiana Superdome on September 9, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

This is the last realistic year for the Vikings to make a Super Bowl run. It is obvious that the Vikings have zero faith in Tavaris Jackson, and the organization will have to look at investing into a highly talented quarterback in the draft next year. If I ran the organization, I would do anything to make a blockbuster trade to get a big time threat at receiver to see a shot at winning a first Super Bowl.

There have already been reports that the Vikings are looking at a possible trade for Vincent Jackson. Hopefully, the organization will feel the same way as well as many other fans at making one more shot at winning a Super Bowl.