The Minnesota Vikings have already wheeled and dealed this offseason, adding running back Jordan Mason and quarterback Sam Howell via trade.
We Have Rim-Rattling Trade Ideas for the Vikings
But there’s still time for more deals, and the Vikings have more draft capital to work with via trade in 2026 and 2027 than in 2025.
So, while general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah may or may not pull off more swaps this summer, consider these five rim-rattling proposals for the Vikings this summer. Trade target players are listed alphabetically.
1. Daron Bland (CB, DAL)
Dallas pulled Bland from Round 5 of the 2022 NFL Draft, which means he’s eligible for a contract extension — that the Cowboys haven’t granted as of early May. Meanwhile, Jerry Jones drafted Shavon Revel Jr. from East Carolina two weeks ago, and if Revel Jr. returns to full health, he could take Bland’s job down the road.
Nov 23, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) and quarterback Dak Prescott (4) eat turkey legs after the Cowboys victory over the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys must soon pay Micah Parsons, in addition to already handing Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb fat deals, so one must wonder if there’s enough of the pie for Bland.
Isaiah Rodgers would start at cornerback for Minnesota if the regular season began tomorrow. Bland would offer an upgrade and has scored wonderfully per Pro Football Focus in back-to-back seasons. He was also an All-Pro in 2023.
2. Travis Etienne (RB, JAX)
The Jaguars seem to have soured on Etienne as a long-term halfback solution, handing more touches to Tank Bigbsy last year and drafting Virginia Tech’s Bhayshul Tuten last month. Etienne is also due for a contract extension.
Why Etienne for Minnesota?
The Vikings already traded for San Francisco 49ers tailback Jordan Mason in March, but why not get richer at a roster spot that needs improvement? Some believe Ty Chandler could be cut later this summer, and if that’s true, well, Minnesota could showcase Aaron Jones, Travis Etienne, and Mason this season.
Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) avoids contact with Minnesota Vikings offensive linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
That RB room would do the trick.
3. Zyon McCollum (CB, TB)
Why Would Tampa Bay Trade McCollum?
The Buccaners drafted Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison from Round 2 this go-round, and when his hip heals, he’s good enough to start in the big leagues.
Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Tavierre Thomas (37) celebrates with cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) after blocking a field goal against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
McCollum also needs a contract extension that has not arrived at the time of this article’s publication.
Why McCollum for Minnesota?
Minnesota might need a starting cornerback option this year, and McCollum logged a PFF score near 70 last year while playing a full-time load. He’s in the prime of his career at age 26 and would fit nicely next to Byron Murphy Jr. for the next few seasons.
4. Kyle Pitts (TE, ATL)
Why Would Atlanta Trade Pitts?
A Round 1 disappointment from the 2022 NFL Draft, Pitts is due for an extension that the Falcons likely won’t oblige. He was drafted high enough to suggest a superstellar career. Instead, he’s a middle-of-the-road tight end with juicy upside.
Why Pitts for Minnesota?
Josh Oliver, the team’s TE2, is scheduled to depart via free agency next offseason, and if Pitts were available for trade, Minnesota should pounce.
Sep 25, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs for yards after the catch against Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Envisioning Pitts alongside T.J. Hockenson, with wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Tai Felton, in addition to J.J. McCarthy throwing the rock, is a euphoric scene.
5. Tariq Woolen (CB, SEA)
Why Would Seattle Trade Woolen?
The Seahawks benched Woolen for a game last year, and it pissed him off. Seattle also has Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe on the depth chart.
Nov 19, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) celebrates after intercepting a pass against Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Austin Trammell (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Like most options on this list, Woolen is due for a contract extension that probably won’t be offered by the Seahawks.
Why Woolen for Minnesota?
Woolen is huge for a cornerback, standing 6’4″ and weighing over 200 pounds. He’s the prototypical cornerback for Brian Flores’ defense, and Flores usually enjoys having at least one tall cornerback in his roster orbit.
The Vikings, in theory, could trade for Woolen and start him at cornerback next to Byron Murphy Jr. Everybody wins.
The Minnesota Vikings are at a critical juncture in shaping their future. With bold moves like acquiring Trey Hendrickson, Greg Newsome II, or developing Ben Yurosek, the team could address major roster gaps and create a more competitive lineup for the 2025 season. These trade ideas are not only shocking but also highly feasible, capitalizing on opportunities in the trade market and the financial situations of rival teams. Will the Vikings dare to make these big moves? Only time will tell.