Oct 13, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) celebrates with running back Joe Mixon (28) after scoring a touchdown against the New England Patriots during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings have the once-unforeseen opportunity to become buyers at the NFL’s trade deadline — not sellers, as would’ve been the forecast about two months ago.
The purple team is 5-0 to start the 2024 season, currently possessing the league’s seventh-best odds to win Super Bowl LIX in February. And teams in the mix for February football generally morph into buyers at the trade deadline, which is three weeks away.
According to CBS Sports, the Vikings should swing a deal with the Houston Texans for running back Dameon Pierce. That’s the recommendation from Cody Benjamin.
For the price of a conditional 5th-Round pick, Benjamin explained: “A year after landing Cam Akers in-season, the Vikings could use more backfield depth with Aaron Jones coming off a hip injury. And Pierce has seen his role vary by the week in Houston, where the Texans have gotten good results from both Akers, Joe Mixon and Dare Ogunbowale.”
Benjamin also endorsed other trades, such as quarterback Trey Lance to the Miami Dolphins, Amari Cooper to the Kansas City Chiefs, and DeAndre Hopkins to the Buffalo Bills.
“His combo of size, speed and power would make for a more well-rounded complement to Jones, who’s key to Kevin O’Connell’s attack but also has an extensive injury history. Anything to keep Sam Darnold comfortable,” Benjamin concluded about the possibility of Pierce to Minnesota.
Why would the Vikings need Pierce? Simple — RB depth to hedge the bet against an Aaron Jones injury. Jones hurt his hip in London nine days ago and is questionable for this weekend’s dogfight with the Detroit Lions. Jones has one career-long weakness and one only. Injury.
Adding Pierce from the Texans or a player like Miles Sanders from the Carolina Panthers would reduce the would-be burden on RB2 Ty Chandler, who filled in for Jones during the Week 5 matchup. Minnesota’s offense suddenly stalled when Jones hit the sidelines.
For perspective, these are the Vikings’ current running backs:
Benjamin’s price is a little eyebrow-raising: It is unclear if Minnesota would trade a 5th-Round pick for a backup running back. Perhaps a conditional 6th-Rounder would be more realistic.
Other trades Minnesota might explore could include a cornerback like Jonathan Jones of the New England Patriots or Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers.
Minnesota’s 2025 draft capital tradebait is a bit skimpy after the deal to select Dallas Turner in April. Any big-name trades could involve 2026 capital.
The Vikings rank 20th per rushing DVOA entering Week 7.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL.
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.