Jan 5, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) during the second quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick Hingle-USA TODAY Sports.
The NFL trade deadline looms large. Teams have until 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 5, to make any final attempts to significantly bolster their roster via a trade. The question in Minnesota is, will they or will they not make a move? With the clock ticking, it is time to look at the Vikings’ trade options and which ones are actually viable.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn’t been shy about making in-season trades. T.J. Hockenson was acquired in November 2022, and Cam Akers and Joshua Dobbs were traded for in 2023 — with Ezra Cleveland traded to the Jaguars.
This season, the Vikings traded for Cam Akers (again) and Cam Robinson in October. Is there room for one more? The Akers and Robinson trades came about because short-term answers were needed following injuries. My opinion is that Minnesota should not be putting any more draft capital into short-term fixes at this moment. Any other move should be one of the Hockenson mold, investment into a long-term player. With that said, let’s look at some of the names mentioned as trade wishes or candidates and give my verdict on the possibility of a deal.
Dexter Lawrence (New York Giants)
Dexter Lawrence would be the perfect addition to the Vikings, giving them the interior pass rush that is so desired. Lawrence isn’t just one of the best DTs in the league, but one of the best players, period. That’s why the Giants aren’t trading him. Despite a 2-7 record and the season being as good as over, any rebuild that is to be done in New York is done around Lawrence and Malik Nabers.
Verdict: No chance
Jeffrey Simmons (Tennessee Titans)
A second win of the season for the Titans doesn’t change the fact that they are in rebuild mode. They have already traded WR DeAndre Hopkins and LB Ernest Jones and may be open to more moves. The talk coming out of Tennessee is that Simmons is not available. Another great option for the Vikings is off the table.
Verdict: No chance
Adam Butler (Las Vegas Raiders)
In the last year of his contract and 30 years old, Adam Butler is a player who could be available. The Raiders fell to 2-7 on Sunday and should be sellers at the deadline. Butler is a solid player with plenty of tread left on the tires if the Vikings wanted to hand him a new contract. He’s not the game-wrecker that Lawrence is, but he would improve the Vikings in the trenches.
Verdict: Good Chance
Osa Odighizuwa (Dallas Cowboys)
A four-year starter in Dallas, Osa Odighizuwa, has been subject to trade rumors over the last week. Three straight losses have derailed the Cowboys’ season and put the pressure on HC Mike McCarthy. If the Cowboys are in a selling mood, Odighizuwa, who is 26 and has a pass-rushing grade of 69.8 per Pro Football Focus, and has two sacks this season, should interest the Vikings.
Verdict: Slim chance
Jaycee Horn (Carolina Panthers)
The Panthers are expected to be sellers at the deadline, but not their 2021 first-round CB. Jaycee Horn is said to be off-limits, so he should be. Still, he is only 24 and can be a cornerstone to build their defense.
Verdict: No chance
Marshon Lattimore (New Orleans Saints)
The Saints are long overdue for a reset, and they can start that ball rolling by trading Marshon Lattimore. Bringing him to Minnesota would immediately make him the Vikings’ best coverage CB. If he’s available, Kwesi should make the call.
Verdict: Reasonable chance
Tre’Davious White (Los Angeles Rams)
All-Pro CB Tre’Davious White has been given permission by the Rams to seek a trade. Coming off a torn Achilles that ended his season in Week 4 last year, White moved from Buffalo to LA. The move hasn’t worked out with the CB only active in four games and now seemingly on his way out.
Verdict: Slim chance
Greg Newsome (Cleveland Browns)
Greg Newsome had a breakout season in 2023, but nothing is going well in Cleveland at the moment. Another 2021 first-round pick, this is the CB I would like to see the Vikings go after. The question is do the Browns have any interest in selling?
Verdict: Slim chance