The NFL trade deadline is November 10. That puts teams, media, and especially fans in the middle of a trading frenzy. With a 5-0 start to the season, Minnesota Vikings fans are simply mad for potential deals. I’ve always had a skeptical view of in-season football trades. Since everything done on the field is such a practiced coordination of 11 individuals, it’s difficult to drop a new player into a new team in the middle of the season. That being said, the right player can give a team a boost. So, I’ll play along with this trade deadline frenzy. Sports Illustated’s MMQB put together a list of 15 players that could be trade targets over the days leading up to the deadline and potential team fits. The list wasn’t put together for the Vikings but I’m looking at the players with the Vikings in mind.
15. Chris Godwin Jr., WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Potential Fits: Packers, Giants
Vikings: Nope
14. Josh Uche, DE, Miami Dolphins
Potential Fits: Bears, 49ers
Vikings: Tempting, but no.
13. Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Potential Fits: Panthers, Cardinals
Vikings: Nope
12. Zach Sieler, DT, Miami Dolphins
Potential Fits: Lions, Cowboys
Vikings: Maybe. And Brian Flores knows him.
11. Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Potential Fits: Panthers, Seahawks
Vikings: No. The Vikings have tight end concerns but I don’t see Goedert as the answer.
10. Daron Payne, DT, Washington Commanders
Potential Fits: Lions, 49ers
Vikings: Nope
9. Tony Pollard, RB, Tennessee Titans
Potential Fits: Jaguars, Seahawks
Vikings: Tempting, but no. The Vikings must be looking at all of the available running backs. Aaron Jones Sr. is 31, 32 in December and Jordan Mason is returning from a stay on injured reserve. I might be a fool but I’d rather see more of rookie Demond Claiborne than adding Pollard.
8. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Potential Fits: Bills, Rams
Vikings: Nope
7. Stefon Diggs, WR, Washington Commanders
Potential Fits: Chiefs, Ravens
Vikings: Nope
6. Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
Potential Fits: Bills, Bears
Vikings: Absolutely Maybe. It’s difficult to drop any new player into this Vikings defense but I’d listen to any trade talk for Baker.
5. Landon Dickerson, G, Philadelphia Eagles
Potential Fits: Jaguars, Seahawks
Vikings: Nope
4. Riq Woolen, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
Potential Fits: Bills, Panthers
Vikings: Nope
3. Josh Sweat, DE, Arizona Cardinals
Potential Fits: Bears, Lions
Vikings: Nope
2. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns
Potential Fits: Chiefs, Rams
Vikings: Nope
1. Khalil Mack, Edge, Los Angeles Chargers
Potential Fits: 49ers, Bears
Vikings: Nope
From the 15 players the MMQB produced, I don’t see the Vikings making a deadline splash. I do believe general manager Nolan Teasley will make a deal, or two. I just don’t see the deal(s) involving the above those players. The interesting thing about the players I do see the Vikings targeting is that several play for the Indianapolis Colts. The Vikings play the Colts on Sunday. Will a player, or two, be staying in Minnesota after the game?
Interesting Colts:
Jonathan Taylor, RB
Quenton Nelson, G
DeForest Buckner, DT
Camryn Bynum, S
If they do look to boost the run game, I see the Vikings making a fairly big swing. Jones and Mason are solid pair. It would take a fairly big swing to improve on them. Taylor’s age (27) and potential cost are the concerns. With left guard Donovan Jackson injured for at least the season, I wouldn’t mind Nelson as a one-year rental. Buckner would be a very intriguing addition to an emerging defensive front. As for Bynum, I wouldn’t mind a reunion. I’m skeptical of any new safety impacting the Vikings defense. Bynum has two years in the Flores defense.
Some non-Colts
Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets - if healthy
A Blocking TE
Now, I’m a little more frenzied than I was earlier.
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