ESPN Drops Grade for Vikings Latest Trade
The Minnesota Vikings’ first trade of the summer arrived on Wednesday, as the club ended the Harrison Phillips era by trading him to the New York Jets, along with a 7th-Round draft pick, for two 6th-Rounders.
ESPN has issued its grade for the Vikings’ latest trade, evaluating how Minnesota did in the Harrison Phillips deal.
The exchange caught fans off guard because nobody believed Phillips was for sale.
But Phillips is a Jet, and ESPN has “trade grades” for Minnesota and New York.
How ESPN Graded the Vikings’ Harrison Phillips Trade
Phillips had played for the Vikings since 2022.
It’s a ‘B’ Grade for Vikings Trade with Jets
ESPN’s Seth Walder analyzed a busy trade day in the NFL, and the Phillips trade received attention.
Giving Minnesota a ‘B’ grade, he noted, “The Vikings are paying half of his $7.4 million salary, which matters. It’s a short-term move for the Jets but not necessarily a one-year deal. Phillips is under contract for $7.5 million in 2026 that could be worth it depending on how he plays this season.”
“I think it’s a fine trade for the Jets, considering their need. And Jowon Briggs — who was acquired from the Browns along with a seventh-round pick for another sixth-round pick — shouldn’t be totally overlooked, either. In a tiny sample last season, Briggs posted a 53% RSWR, which is excellent, albeit in a limited assortment of 59 run plays. Still, the Jets saw something, and the almost 24-year-old can be a useful depth player now with some future upside.”
Some onlookers needed time to process the deal as Phillips was quite beloved among the fan base.
Walder concluded, “Meanwhile, Minnesota had a defensive tackle surplus. They brought in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave this offseason, and they have young depth, as well.”
“That combination — along with the Vikings being an NFL-high $66 million over the cap in 2026, per OverTheCap.com — perhaps made Phillips a luxury the Vikings felt they could part with for a little draft capital and a few million in savings. Considering their position, it’s understandable.”
Jets Also Get a ‘B’ from ESPN
The Jets also snagged the ‘B’ treatment. An ankle injury currently hampers DT Byron Cowart, so New got to work Wednesday by acquiring the aforementioned Briggs and Phillips.
Phillips will likely start next to Quinnen Williams, which should enable him to thrive in his new role. Williams is one of the best defensive tackles in the business.
New York’s defense ranked 21st in the league last year per EPA/Play, but will be led by new leadership in 2025, with Aaron Glenn as head coach and Steve Wilks at his side as the defensive coordinator.
The Shock Value for Purple Fans
Most Vikings loyalists thought a late-summer trade would occur, probably involving an incoming wide receiver, backup quarterback, or cornerback. When the Phillips news hit, most were shocked, as trading team captains is somewhat rare.
What’s more, Minnesota doesn’t usually stockpile depth at DT. For the first time in years, that spot on the roster is stuffed with talent, and because it’s a new way of thinking about the interior defensive line, Phillips as a trade candidate just really never crossed folks’ minds.
Now, the purple team has a couple of late-round draft picks to dangle while perhaps seeking another deal for a wide receiver.
A New Era at DT
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah welcomed two new defensive tackles this offseason: Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave from free agency. Both Pro Bowlers. In hindsight, those two transactions signaled the beginning of the end for Phillips.
Minnesota also employs Jalen Redmond, rookie Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Taki Taimani at the position, a full house at DT that is sturdy enough to accommodate the Phillips swap.
Not long ago, Phillips was the one DT whom fans could brag about.
USA Today Makes the Case for Separate Terry McLaurin Swap
Many believe Minnesota will act swiftly to acquire a wide receiver after the Phillips deal. USA Today‘s Jacob Camenker claimed Thursday that Terry McLaurin could be a target.
He defended the theory: “If the Vikings want to swing big at receiver, they could consider trying to pry McLaurin away from Washington. The 29-year-old requested a trade amid a contract dispute with the Commanders, and the team could eventually capitulate to his demand if it can’t bridge the gap on a long-term extension.”
“McLaurin has posted five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and logged a career-best 13 touchdowns in his first season with Jayden Daniels. He is a consistent separator and a sharp route runner who would create a top-tier receiving trio alongside Jefferson and Addison. Add in that McLaurin overlapped with Kevin O’Connell for two years in Washington and he should be able to quickly ingratiate himself into Minnesota’s offense.”
Other high-profile WR trade candidates might include Adam Thielen, Tyreek Hill, or Chris Olave. Minnesota, too, could dream smaller and swing a deal for a playmaker like Javon Baker, Alec Pierce, or Roman Wilson.
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