The 10 Main Trade Targets for the Vikings

Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) takes the field prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The NFL’s trade deadline is 23 days away, and remarkably, the Minnesota Vikings could be buyers between now and then.

The 10 Main Trade Targets for the Vikings

The Vikings are 5-0 through five weeks and could bolster the depth chart with a trade or two.

Accordingly, we asked VikingsTerritory writers for their realistic trade targets for the Vikings, and these were their responses.

1. Khalil Herbert (CHI, RB)

trade targets
Jan 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) is pursued by Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) and cornerback Patrick Peterson. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.


Prediction Maker = Cole Smith

Khalil Herbert doesn’t have much of a role in the Bears’ offense. The Vikings could use another running back, and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn’t scared to do business inside the division. This could be a cheap deal, giving the team added depth at a position that seems to bring out the best and worst of the offense. Dalton Risner could be the chip used since the Bears need OL help.

2. Adam Thielen (CAR, WR)

Sep 18, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) runs on to the field before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports.


Prediction Maker =
Dustin Baker

Thielen has a hamstring issue at the moment, but he should conveniently heal by the trade deadline. And by that time, the Panthers could be in full seller’s mode, accumulating draft capital for 2025 and beyond.

The beloved ex-Viking is 34, so his NFL days are numbered. While Jalen Nailor has played well through five games, Thielen is as sure-handed as they come, and it just feels like justice to bring him home for a playoff or Super Bowl push. He can be acquired via trade for late-round pick, perhaps even as low as a 7th-Rounder.

3. Calais Campbell (MIA, DT)

Sep 8, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93) celebrates after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.


Prediction Maker = Brevan Bane

We had some thoughts about his potential signing with the Vikings this offseason, and the ageless wonder continues to be productive with a 79.8 overall grade and 82.4 pass-rushing grade per PFF. Minnesota is suddenly in a win-now mindset with the 5-0 start and doesn’t have much draft capital to throw around to sure up many things. So, Campbell is a great option in a year that the Vikings are unexpectedly aiming for the Lombardi.

4. Chuba Hubbard (CAR, RB)

Oct 29, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) with the ball as Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman (53) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports


Prediction Maker = Janik Eckardt

Between the running game’s importance, Aaron Jones’ injury history, Ty Chandler’s unimpressive play, and a competing team, it’s time to acquire a new RB2. Hubbard is in the final year of his rookie contract, so he’s cheap, and the Panthers might want to get something in return instead of losing him in free agency, especially with second-rounder Jonathan Brooks set to make his debut.

5. Miles Sanders (CAR, RB)

Sep 29, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (6) on the field with the ball after a long run in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.

Prediction Maker = Adam New

I expect nothing major, but a move to guard against Aaron Jones’ fitness makes sense. It hasn’t worked out for Sanders in Carolina, and he’s slipped behind Chuba Hubbard on the depth chart. He could be readily available.

6. Dexter Lawrence (NYG, DT)

Sep 26, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, US; New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) warms up during pre-game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Julian Guadalupe-NorthJersey.com. © Julian Leshay Guadalupe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.

Prediction Maker = Ted Schwerzler

The defense has been solid, but the tackle position is still an opportunity. Adding one of the best in the league would be quite a boost.

7. Daniel Brunskill (TEN, OG)

Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Daniel Brunskill (60) heads to the field before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. © Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK.


Prediction Maker = Henrique Gucciardi

The interior offensive line is the biggest concern with this team in 2024. The Vikings don’t have the ammunition to make a big trade, but Brunskill is a solid option to replace the struggling Ed Ingram. Price: 2026 conditional 6th-round pick.

8. Jonathan Jones (NE, CB)

Must Sign
Dec 12, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones (31) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker = Josh Frey

Jonathan Jones has a Brian Flores connection and plenty of playoff experience in New England. Now, at 31 years old, he likely isn’t part of the future plans for the Patriots, and now could be the time to deal with the veteran CB. Why not to a sudden Super Bowl contender so Jones can chase one more ring?

9. A Backup Browns RB

Aug 17, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back D’Onta Foreman (27) runs the ball as Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Taki Taimani (94) tackles him during the third quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports.


Prediction Maker = Kyle Joudry

There’s the GM’s connection, Cleveland’s brutal season, and Nick Chubb’s impending return. Jerome Ford seems ideal, though Cleveland seems unlikely to want to move on from him; nevertheless, given the aforementioned factors, CLE as a whole is a team to monitor.

10. Nobody.

Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings fans react during the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Prediction Maker = Wes Johnson

Woof, I don’t see them making a move. I can see the need for a backup RB, guard, or DT, and teams always need cornerbacks, but they’re thin on assets.


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.