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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.