The Vikings face the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sept. 13 to start the 2020 season, so bringing in pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue that close to the opener means the front office and coaching staff knew it was necessary for their title chances.
You don't shake up a roster this close to Week 1 — and the team was ready to release starting tackle Riley Reiff before reworking his contract to bring in Ngakoue — unless it gives you a real shot at winning a Super Bowl.
General Manager Rick Spielman almost never makes trades for players, instead staying focused on draft-day deals and adding picks.