Players the Vikings Could Realistically Trade for During the Draft
Sometimes, NFL teams waddle into the draft, and their plans get shredded when other teams draft their preferred targets. This forces trades to become an option, and if that happens to the Minnesota Vikings later this week, here are a handful of targets for the occasion.
Four names. One event. Trade buzz never sleeps.
Consider the following a realistic trade board for the Vikings during the draft — players who are gettable and fit Minnesota’s roster needs. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = the most logical fit).
Scenarios That Could Push Minnesota toward a Trade
What if Trader Rob does the thing?
4. Keon Coleman | WR, BUF
The Buffalo Bills owner openly trashed Coleman in front of the media a few months ago, a bizarre situation that didn’t need to unfold. Buffalo later tried to walk back the anti-Coleman fodder, but his legitimacy as an NFL wide receiver was exposed.
NFL.com Eric Edholm wrote about Coleman’s status this week, “The Bills have already made moves at receiver, trading for DJ Moore and signing Trent Sherfield, among others. They have several returners set to come back, including leading receiver Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer and the promising Tyrell Shavers.”
“Buffalo also has readily scouted draft prospects at receiver. There are multiple unsigned free agents from last year’s roster, as well, such as Brandin Cooks, Gabe Davis and Curtis Samuel. Beane and the Bills aren’t guaranteeing anything for Coleman this season — and certainly not a starting spot — but they’re leaving the door ajar for his trajectory to change.”
The man needs a fresh start, especially after the Bills traded for Moore. If the Bills draft another rookie wideout, Coleman could be traded to the highest bidder. Why not the Vikings?
Approximate Trade Price: 4th or 5th Rounder
3. Trey Benson | RB, ARI
The Cardinals re-upped with James Conner this offseason, in addition to signing free-agent tailback Tyler Allgeier. Benson has battled injuries since turning pro in 2024; his career trajectory is not all that glowing.
He also won’t get an RB1’s workload in Arizona. Truth be told, he could be the RB3 by September. Benson looked decent last year before his season-ending injury. The 3rd-Round pick from two years ago will turn 24 this summer.
A change of scenery could do the body good.
Approximate Trade Price: 5th-Rounder
2. Brandon Aiyuk | WR, 49ers
As the draft approaches, the Vikings have three wide receivers — Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Tai Felton — poised to contribute meaningfully on offense. However, this number seems thin, especially considering Felton remains unproven after a quiet rookie season.
An over-reliance on Jefferson and Addison could become problematic if injuries or underperformance occur.
Jalen Nailor’s departure to Las Vegas on a three-year, $35 million deal (which the Vikings declined to match) creates an opportunity. The Vikings could pursue a veteran receiver — perhaps a high-profile name like Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, or Deebo Samuel (DeAndre Hopkins is a less likely option). Alternatively, they could draft a player expected to make an immediate impact. Of course, Felton could also emerge as a reliable option if he develops as hoped.
The 49ers should probably just release Aiyuk and call it good; the relationship has been strained for over a year. If they insist on a trade, the Vikings, needing a WR3, make sense as a landing spot. It would give the offense an ungodly amount of firepower from head to toe.
Approximate Trade Price: 6th-Rounder
1. Jerry Jeudy | WR, Browns
In Cleveland’s current format, it does not maximize Jeudy’s skillset. He banked just over 600 receiving yards last year, meaning he’s just K.J. Osborn with 1st-Round draft stock. Of course, Jeudy thrived with Jameis Winston, but Winston isn’t the Browns quarterback anymore.
Cleveland may leave the draft with a rookie receiver or two. It’s probably time to start fresh.
Last Word on Sports‘ Anthony Palacio noted last month, “The veteran is still under a three-year extension for $58 million, which keeps him locked in with the Browns through the 2027 regular season. However, that could obviously change during night 1 of the NFL Draft, and the Browns could get some extra draft capital to rebuild a new offense for Sanders or Watson.”
“Jeudy should be under a microscope along with other possible receivers that could become available in this year’s draft. The receiver hasn’t been able to find a stable long-term home in his previous tenure in Denver, but could finally find that with these teams.”
It should be noted that trading Jeudy will be easier financially for the Browns after June 1st, but on the whole, trades are more frequent in the draft than in the summer.
Minnesota’s offense would get quite fancy with Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jerry Jeudy, and a rookie running back from the draft.
Approximate Trade Price: 5th-Rounder
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