The Minnesota Vikings enter the trade deadline as a team in wait-and-see mode, though analysts warn that quiet could come with risk. According to PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, Minnesota has an 18% chance of reaching the postseason and less than a 1% shot at the No. 1 pick. A recent ESPN trade-deadline preview lists Minnesota as a club likely to stand pat. Yet there are a few key names both on the team and around the league to monitor.
What Will the Vikings Do Before the Trade Deadline?
After two aggressive offseasons, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seems intent on evaluating what he has already built. The front office believes that second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy can stabilize the offense, but questions remain about the defense.
Anyone who is out on JJ McCarthy doesn’t think long term enough and barely watched week 1. He’s got a lot to work on but our future is bright if things get figured out with our oline and defense 📈#Vikings #Skol
— Vikings Trends (@Valhalla_Echoes) October 29, 2025
Pass-rush depth is now a concern after Andrew Van Ginkel suffered a neck injury that has kept him out since Week 3. Despite ranking eighth in PFSN’s EDGE Impact metric and maintaining a 20% pass-rush win rate, the lack of proven depth behind outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard could strain defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ unit. The defense ranks No. 8 in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric. However, a once-feared group around the league has allowed 64 points over the past two weeks.
Offensively, receiver Jalen Nailor has quietly emerged as a possible trade chip. He’s played over 74% of offensive snaps this season but has been targeted only 26 times, catching 13 passes for 162 yards and one touchdown. Nailor’s limited usage behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, combined with an expiring contract, makes him a logical candidate to move. With Jefferson’s $39 million cap hit looming in 2026 and Addison eligible for an extension this offseason, the Vikings may decide to cash in now while he still holds mid-round value.
Quarterback speculation lingers, too. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins remains an external name loosely tied to Minnesota if McCarthy struggles late. While that scenario is unlikely, Carson Wentz’s season-ending shoulder injury leaves rookie Max Brosmer as the current QB2, adding uncertainty to the position.
Given the Vikings’ significant free-agent activity over the past two off-seasons and their already expensive roster, it’s unlikely they will be active buyers. While not headline-grabbing, trading expiring contracts for draft picks could help Minnesota replenish its future draft capital.
