Vikings Could Double Dip in Trade Market

Dustin Baker |

Aug 21, 2025

Close-up view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet on the sideline during the NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 13, 2025. — The Minnesota Vikings helmet remains a symbol of tradition and pride, seen here on January 13, 2025, during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The detailed shot highlights the team’s iconic horned logo, a design that has represented Minnesota football for decades, capturing both heritage and fierce competitiveness.

Harrison Phillips departed the Minnesota Vikings this week via trade, in exchange for two 6th-Round picks from the New York Jets. Minnesota also shipped a 7th-Rounder to New York.

Reports suggest the Minnesota Vikings could pursue not just one but multiple trades, potentially addressing both depth and special teams needs.

Few did not view the deal as a standalone transaction, expecting a follow-up trade with a team to be named later.

But don’t rule out two trades for the purple team.

Rumors Swirl of Vikings Chasing More Than One WR

Minnesota needs some reinforcements at WR.

Titans GM Ran Carthon talks with Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during practice in Eagan on Aug. 16, 2023. — Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon was seen chatting with Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during practice in Eagan on August 16, 2023. Their sideline conversation underscored the collaborative and competitive dynamics between franchises as both executives evaluated rosters, player development, and potential opportunities ahead of the NFL regular season kickoff.

Vikings Could Fire Off More Than One Trade after Harrison Phillips Swap

To set the table: Justin Jefferson is just returning from a hamstring injury. Jordan Addison’s suspension will prevent him from partaking in the first three regular season games. Jalen Nailor’s hand injury has an uncertain prognosis. And Rondale Moore won’t play at all in 2025 because of a season-cancelling knee injury.

Down the line, Minnesota’s wideouts have dropped like flies in the last few weeks — not ideal for a team about to unleash a 22-year-old quarterback with no regular season experience.

So when The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis mentioned that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could conduct two more deals in the near future, the theory made sense.

“The question that I would really ask would be, is it just going to be one or are they going to be willing to seek two wide receivers with potential that one of them has a punt returning skill set? Like that wouldn’t surprise me at all,” Lewis said on his YouTube show this week.

One transaction feels automatic; two seem likely.

The Beef Behind the Theory

Adofo-Mensah has used duality thrice this offseason with roster enhancements. He needed to upgrade the offensive line, so he signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. Check.

Defensive tackle also needed love. Adofo-Mensah inked Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Check.

At cornerback, Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin were not re-signed, prompting the young executive to onboard Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah. Check.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah speak to reporters at the TCO Performance Center on July 22, 2024. — Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media on July 22, 2024, from the TCO Performance Center ahead of training camp. They covered topics including rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, wide receiver Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and the quarterback competition, offering optimism and insight into the team’s direction.

Everything arrived in twos this offseason. Why not WR reinforcements?

A Big-Name Wide Receiver?

Consider this theory. Adofo-Mensah could splash mightily on a household WR name, sending draft picks to a different team for an established wideout. These names might make sense, and none are young or unproven:

Kendrick Bourne (NE)
Tyreek Hill (MIA)
Van Jefferson (TEN)
Jauan Jennings (SF)
Allen Lazard (NYJ)
Terry McLaurin (WAS)
Jakobi Meyers (LV)
Chris Olave (NO)
Curtis Samuel (BUF)
JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC)
Adam Thielen (CAR)

Most NFL fans will know those men by name; their work is extensive and well-documented.

Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne lines up against the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 15, 2024. — On December 15, 2024, at State Farm Stadium, New England Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne took the field against the Arizona Cardinals. Bourne, known for his reliable route running and playmaking ability, continued to contribute to New England’s offense during the 2024 season as the Patriots worked to spark consistency from their passing attack late in the year.

Step One could be onboarding a veteran wideout.

A Younger Option Secondarily?

Then, following the pattern of two from the last six months, Adofo-Mensah could explore a lesser-known WR commodity, one with youth on his side, with a chance to develop in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

These players come to mind:

Calvin Austin III (PIT)
Javon Baker (NE)
Kayshon Boutte (NE)
Jermaine Burton (CIN)
Romeo Doubs (GB)
Quentin Johnston (LAC)
Trey Palmer (TB)
Alec Pierce (IND)
Ja’Lynn Polk (NE)
Jalen Tolbert (DAL)
Jordan Whittington (LAR)
Roman Wilson (PIT)

Adofo-Mensah would welcome both worlds: a pass-catcher could field WR2 duty during Addison’s absence (Bourne, Jennings, Thielen) and a youngster in the chamber (Baker, Pierce, Whittington).

More Perspective on Adofo-Mensah’s Trades

Zone Coverage‘s Tyler Ireland wrote about the Phillips trade on Thursday, “In fairness to Adofo-Mensah, there are some positives to doing this deal now. It nets the Vikings an additional sixth-round pick and $3.7 million in cap space, both of which can be used to acquire a certain veteran wide receiver who grew up in Detroit Lakes and once practiced dental sales.”

“I didn’t think the Carolina Panthers would be interested in trading Adam Thielen, but rumor has it he’s trying to force his way out of Charlotte. Trust SKOR North’s tip line and Kevin O’Connell’s grin during his interview with Kay Adams at your own risk. By trading away Phillips, the Vikings are ushering in a youth movement on the defensive line.”

Vikings defensive linemen Dean Lowry and Harrison Phillips in action against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sept. 14, 2023. — Minnesota defensive end Dean Lowry and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips battled in the trenches against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023. Both linemen were key to Minnesota’s efforts on defense, anchoring the line while facing off against one of the NFL’s most physical offensive units in a primetime matchup.

Thielen is probably the most popular trade target among fans.

Ireland continued, “Brian Flores wouldn’t have signed off on this deal if he didn’t have faith in Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and undrafted free agent Elijah Williams. With Phillips out of the picture, Flores now has more flexibility to run a deeper rotation at defensive tackle.”

“Now you could theoretically see Ingram-Dawkins take snaps at 0-tech on first down, then shift to 5-tech on second down, and sub out for Rodriguez on third down.”

Brace for two more Vikings trades, especially if Jalen Nailor hits the Physically Unable to Perform list or Injured Reserve.

Also Read:ESPN Warns of Weird Vikings Overhaul

By Dustin Baker

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His debut thriller, The Motor Route , is out now. He ... More about Dustin Baker