As the NFL commerce deadline approaches, the Minnesota Vikings discover themselves in an fascinating spot. Sitting at 5-2, they seem like a robust playoff contender, however the latest losses to Detroit and Los Angeles uncovered some vulnerabilities which will want addressing for a deeper postseason push. With solely three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings will should be strategic of their strategy.
Whereas followers and analysts have floated high-profile commerce targets like Dexter Lawrence or Jeffery Simmons, these gamers could also be too pricey for the Vikings when it comes to draft capital. As an alternative, the Vikings may give attention to extra inexpensive choices, very similar to they did in free company. On this article, we discover three practical commerce targets that match key areas the Vikings may look to improve earlier than the 2025 commerce deadline.
Adam Butler, DT, Las Vegas Raiders
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive deal with Adam Butler (69) appears to be like to deal with Cleveland Browns operating again Jerome Ford (34) throughout the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Photographs
Certainly one of the major areas the Vikings must strengthen is the defensive position. Whereas Harrison Phillips is having fun with a profession 12 months as the staff’s nostril deal with, the remainder of the line has underperformed. Neither Jerry Tillery nor Jonathan Bullard has recorded a sack, and the unit has struggled to cease the run.
Although the Vikings solely hand over 84 speeding yards per sport, this quantity is deceptive. Opponents have handed extra regularly on account of the Vikings holding leads in lots of video games. In contests the place opponents have rushed greater than 20 instances, Minnesota has allowed a mean of 106 yards. Their lack of ability to cease the run at important moments was a key issue of their loss to Detroit, the place they gave up 144 speeding yards and two touchdowns.
With the commerce deadline looming, the Vikings may prioritize fortifying their defensive position. An enormous-name participant like Lawrence could also be out of attain, however a extra attainable choice is Las Vegas Raiders defensive deal with Adam Butler.
Dec 25, 2023; Kansas Metropolis, Missouri, USA; Kansas Metropolis Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) fumbles the ball as he’s hit by Las Vegas Raiders defensive deal with Adam Butler (69) throughout the first half at GEHA Discipline at Arrowhead Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports activities
Signed by the Raiders in 2023 as a rotational piece, Butler rapidly proved his worth, recording 5 sacks in restricted snaps. When Christian Wilkins was injured early this season, Butler stepped in and have become a brilliant spot on the Raiders’ protection.
Butler is stable in opposition to the run and affords a pass-rushing improve over the Vikings’ present choices. He may substitute Jerry Tillery and enhance the place nearly instantly. As Butler is ready to turn into a free agent subsequent season, the Raiders could be prepared to commerce him for draft capital.
Proposed Trade: Minnesota sends a 2025 Fifth-round decide and a 2026 Fifth-round decide to Las Vegas for Adam Butler and a 2025 Seventh-round decide.
Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns
Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) and security Juan Thornhill (1) have a good time after a go break up throughout the first half in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Financial institution Discipline. Necessary Credit score: Ken Blaze-Imagn Photographs
One other space the Vikings must bolster is cornerback. Minnesota has allowed the third-most passing yards per sport, surrendering 260.3 yards, in accordance with Professional Soccer Reference. Whereas the Vikings have been main in lots of video games, prompting opponents to go extra regularly, that is nonetheless a regarding quantity, highlighting points in the secondary.
The Vikings’ beginning cornerbacks — Shaq Griffin, Stephon Gilmore, and Byron Murphy Jr. — have been typically stable however inconsistent at instances. The larger subject, nevertheless, lies in the depth behind them. Akayleb Evans has struggled since final season, and backups Fabian Moreau and Dwight McGlothern have been inactive for most of the 12 months. If any of the starters want a relaxation or go down with an harm, the expertise drop-off is important.
Buying and selling for a cornerback wouldn’t solely add much-needed depth however may additionally herald a possible starter for 2025. All three of the Vikings’ present beginning cornerbacks will turn into free brokers after this season, leaving Evans and the injured Mekhi Blackmon as the solely viable choices beneath contract for subsequent 12 months.
Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) breaks up a go meant for New York Giants broad receiver Malik Nabers (1) throughout the second half at Huntington Financial institution Discipline. Necessary Credit score: Ken Blaze-Imagn Photographs
One participant who may make sense for Minnesota is Greg Newsome II of the Cleveland Browns. Drafted in 2021, Newsome has turn into a dependable presence in Cleveland’s secondary. He broke out a bit final season with 14 passes defended and two interceptions. Newsome’s versatility — he can play each outdoors and in the slot — makes him a beautiful choice for the Vikings, as he may both problem Murphy for a beginning spot or present invaluable depth.
At simply 24 years previous and nonetheless on his rookie contract, Newsome could be a long-term asset for the Vikings. Ought to the Browns determine to half methods with him as they rebuild, Minnesota may capitalize on his expertise for each this season and subsequent.
Proposed Trade: Minnesota sends Akayleb Evans, a 2025 Fifth-round decide, and a 2026 Third-round decide to Cleveland for Greg Newsome II and a 2025 Seventh-round decide.
Daniel Brunskill, OL, Tennessee Titans
Aug 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive deal with Daniel Brunskill (60) and offensive deal with Lachavious Simmons (73) arrange for a play in the second quarter in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Casey Gower-USA TODAY Sports activities
Offensive line is one other space the Vikings would possibly look to enhance earlier than the commerce deadline. The Vikings’ offensive line has been inconsistent, with moments of brilliance adopted by performs the place they seem like turnstiles. This inconsistency has contributed to Minnesota permitting the fourth-most sacks per sport in the NFL, with Sam Darnold being sacked a mean of 3.2 instances per sport.
Most of the strain has come from the inside, the place proper guard Ed Ingram has struggled considerably. In keeping with Professional Soccer Focus, Ingram ranks 69th out of 75 graded guards this season. Though Dalton Risner is coming back from injured reserve and will doubtlessly substitute Ingram, shifting Risner from his pure left guard spot to proper guard will not be as straightforward because it sounds. Moreover, if Risner begins at proper guard, counting on Ingram as the major backup may turn into an issue if accidents come up amongst the starters.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) is blocked by Tennessee Titans offensive deal with Daniel Brunskill (60) as quarterback Will Levis (8) arms off to operating again Derrick Henry (22) throughout the fourth quarter of their sport at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
That is the place buying and selling for Tennessee Titans lineman Daniel Brunskill may make sense. Brunskill has performed guard for the Titans for the previous two seasons, beginning 14 video games in 2023. Earlier than that, he was a part of a robust San Francisco 49ers offensive line that made it to the Tremendous Bowl in 2019. Brunskill’s capacity to play deal with and middle, along with guard, Brunskill has additionally performed deal with and middle, giving him useful place flexibility.
Brunskill will not be a transparent improve over Ingram or Risner, however his expertise and flexibility make him a dependable choice in the event that they want to substitute both. At worst, he may present depth throughout a number of positions and step in as a starter if wanted. His capacity to play middle may additionally supply the Vikings an insurance coverage coverage in case Garrett Bradbury struggles or suffers an harm.
Proposed Trade: Minnesota sends a 2026 Fifth-round decide to Tennessee for Daniel Brunskill.
In conclusion, whereas the Vikings might not have the draft capital to pursue blockbuster trades, they will nonetheless make strikes to strengthen their roster for a playoff run. By concentrating on practical and inexpensive choices like Adam Butler, Greg Newsome II, and Daniel Brunskill, the Vikings may tackle key weaknesses and place themselves for success each this season and in the future.
SOURCES: Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Reference
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