The Vikings’ 5 Most Attractive In-House Trade Candidates
The Vikings’ most attractive trade candidate is Justin Jefferson. The issue? Simply that he’s not available. Teams can call; teams can be turned away. So, let’s allow some realism — or least some semblance of realism — to influence the discussion.
Considering the Vikings’ 5 most compelling trade candidates involves highlighting players who can help a team win. After all, a team must want a player so much that they’re willing to forfeit a draft pick, even a low-level one. And then from Minnesota’s perspective, there needs to be a willingness to move out someone who isn’t a core piece: Jefferson, J.J. McCarthy, Christian Darrisaw, and maybe a few others. Who could get moved ahead of the Tuesday, November 4th deadline?
The Vikings’ 5 Most Attractive Trade Options
Option #5 — Justin Skule, Offensive Tackle
Case for Trading: Offensive line talent is similar to 3-point shooting in basketball and pitching in baseball (go Jays!): there’s no such thing as too much. Justin Skule can play passable football at either LT or RT, though he appears more comfortable on the right side. Could a former employer that’s in the playoff race — Tampa Bay or San Francisco — sent over an asset for Mr. Skule?
Case for Keeping: So far, Minnesota has been working through no shortage of injury turmoil. The offensive tackles haven’t been immune. Christian Darrisaw is still working on getting back up to a full workload while Brian O’Neill is trying to get healthy from an MCL sprain. Is Walter Rouse sufficient tackle depth? Blake Brandel could jump in, but he’s being tasked with more work along the interior.
Status in 2026: Free Agent
Option #4 — Jalen Nailor, Wide Receiver
Case for Trading: Jalen Nailor is a good receiver. Some team out there — one thinks of Kansas City, perhaps, or Buffalo — could put his speed to use. At 26, Nailor’s ceiling hasn’t been reached since he has been buried behind WR1 Justin Jefferson alongside WR2 Jordan Addison. Prying away Mr. Nailor wouldn’t cost more than a Day 3 pick. Recently on VT, Dustin Baker chimed in on the possibility in response to the work from Kevin Seifert at ESPN.
Case for Keeping: The plan all along has been to support J.J. McCarthy with as much talent as possible. In Nailor, McCarthy has a receiver capable of taking the top off the defense while also getting open in other ways, as well. The Vikings’ coaching staff has claimed that the tape is more impressive than the numbers; in this case, their words appear to reflect reality rather than being part of the relentless optimism.
Status in 2026: Free Agent
Option #3 — Adam Thielen, Wide Receiver
Case for Trading: In the right situation, Adam Thielen could do good work. He’s a veteran who can run crafty routes, mentor young receivers, and score some points. His drops in 2025 have been frustrating but he could be a chain mover in the right situation as a WR3/WR4.
Case for Keeping: The Vikings just re-welcomed Thielen, a move that now appears to be a poor decision. He’s valuable depth within a young receiver room and is even the backup punt returner. In time, Mr. Thielen is going to prove valuable, especially if Minnesota gets itself into pressure-packed moments.
Status in 2026: Free Agent
Option #2 — Ivan Pace Jr., Linebacker
Case for Trading: Some team could plug him into the lineup while allowing him to do what he does best. More specifically, allow Ivan Pace to relentlessly attack passers, flying forward with great consistency. The simple fact that he’s only 24 means teams outside of the playoff hunt could even be interested. The Minnesota money isn’t there to give him a meaty extension after the season.
Case for Keeping: The Vikings don’t have a pile of young talent. Shipping out a promising young fella — especially one capable of making huge plays — could end up being foolish and shortsighted. True, there are flaws in Pace’s game, but that’s true of everyone to a certain extent (especially those scooped up within undrafted free agency). Find a way to let the young ‘backer shine.
Status in 2026: Restricted Free Agent
Option #1 — T.J. Hockenson, Tight End
Case for Trading: There’s a team in the NFL that could better utilize the talented tight end. In Minnesota, T.J. Hockenson doesn’t catch touchdowns commonly and isn’t used for explosive gains. There’s a team that could coax these things out of the tight end. Even more discouraging for the Vikings is that Mr. Hockenson is averaging just 8.2 yards per reception, a very modest total that’s making his four-year, $66 million deal look too pricey.
Case for Keeping: T.J. Hockenson has never been the world’s best blocker. He is, however, someone who has made an effort to improve. The improved blocking could — could — coincide with more promising receiving statistics with Mr. McCarthy getting back in the saddle. Don’t be in a hurry to move on from someone who has proven to be capable of very good football.
Status in 2026: Under Contract
Editor’s Note: Shout out to Over the Cap for confirming the contract statuses of the players considered.
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