Vikes Obtain Williams from Eagles

Minnesota ships FP Tony Edward and 5 draft picks for one of the best young DL in the game
By "Minnie Soda"

Off-Season 2085 (Minneapolis, MN) - What's the cost of a big time DL in the USAFL? Well, one can look at the deal struck between the Vikings and Eagles just minutes before the trade deadline last night to get a feel.

In a deal that surprised fans both in Minnesota and Philadelphia, the Vikings obtained a 6'3' 313lb monster named Abbott Williams. It was no secret that the Minnesota brass had loved Williams since the 2082 draft when he went #4 overall to the Eagles. That was the draft which included the infamous 'Last Minute Swap' with Tampa Bay that netted the Vikings the #1 overall pick and QB Mike Rosenbach. No one doubts the validity of that move today, but some may question the price paid for one player last night. The price tag was steep, some are saying too steep. Gone in the deal is 6 year OL Tony Edward, who was the #3 overall pick in the 2079 draft and one of the Vikings' franchise players. In addition, the Vikings also parted with 5 draft picks including a 1st and two 2nd rounders from next season's draft. A high price indeed. The resigning of OL Jerry DeBerg this offseason made the deal possible. Veteran Ned Vincent is expected to slide over to take All-Pro Edward's starting left tackle position and DeBerg will likely move over to right guard.

No one doubts the talent of Abbott Williams. The Vikings were ready to select Williams with the #3 pick in that 2082 draft and had him at the top of their draft board neck and neck with Rosenbach. Williams has developed into one of the top young pass rushers in the USAFL, recording 20 sacks in three seasons as a starter including 11 last season.

It's rumored that the Vikings' failure in drafting good young DL in the recent past had made GM Lou Lombardo willing to pay almost any price to land a top pass rusher. With the loss of Jimmie Smith to division rival Chicago in free agency this offseason, there was a glaring hole in the trenches on the defensive side of the ball. So, in will step Williams to become the anchor of the defensive line for what is expected to be years to come. It is likely that the Vikings will use the FP tag traded away with Edward on him in the coming days to lock him up long term. Minnesota hopes that he will become a bargain at $8mil a season in the years ahead.

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