Summer Trade Predictions for the Vikings

Aug 15, 2019; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) warms up prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports.

In the summer of 2022, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah acquired quarterback Nick Mullens, wide receiver Jalen Reagor, and defensive tackle Ross Blacklock via trade.

Vikings trades are actually quite common in the summer under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and these are predictions this go-round.

The following summer, Adofo-Mensah traded offensive tackle Vederian Lowe to the New England Patriots for a late-round draft pick. And last August, the Vikings sent cornerback Andrew Booth to the Dallas Cowboys for Nahshon Wright, who plays the same position.

So, one must wonder, what trade will Adofo-Mensah pull off this summer? Our writers have theories.

RB Khalil Herbert
from IND

VT Writer: Janik Eckardt

Former Bears running back Khalil Herbert struggles to find his role in the league. He spent time with the Bengals and Bears last year and headed to Indianapolis in free agency.

Dec 26, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears running back Khalil Herbert (24) rushes for a touchdown against Seattle Seahawks cornerback John Reid (29) during the third quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports.

Just a couple of years removed from an efficient 600-yard season, Herbert is expendable because the Colts selected D.J. Giddens in the draft and still employ Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Goodson. Although he is not a starter by any means, Herbert could be a sweet upgrade over Ty Chandler at RB3.

TE Josh Oliver
Shipped Elsewhere

VT Writer: Tony Schultz

The Vikings ensured that all weak spots were filled or had proper depth through free agency or the draft. The only guy I can see as being traded is Josh Oliver. He disappeared when T.J. Hockenson was out, when he should have shown brighter, and was only impactful when Hockenson came back. His strength might be blocking, but we’ve seen him get the ball plenty of times in the past with success.

Does it hurt the depth at tight end? Yes. Bringing in Gavin Bartholomew and Ben Yorosek may not be a one-to-one trade-off, but not every position can have two “starters.”

OG Blake Brandel
Shipped Elsewhere

VT Writer: Kyle Joudry

Nov 20, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) and offensive tackle Blake Brandel (64) and teammates react during the game against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

I think a swap where Blake Brandel gets traded away (unfortunately; I like Brandel) makes some sense. If Walter Rouse, Michael Jurgens, and Logan Brown look promising, then Minnesota has younger, cheaper depth to lean on.

TE Michael Mayer
from LV

VT Writer: Dustin Baker

The Las Vegas Raiders are wasting Michael Mayer from Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Brock Bowers stole all his thunder and passing game targets.

Mayer’s value has plummeted accordingly, and a team like the Vikings can probably get him for a 5th-Round pick. With no true-blue TE3 on the roster and Josh Oliver’s contract expiring after the 2025 campaign, Adofo-Mensah pounces on Mayer. He can be the TE2 behind T.J. Hockenson when Oliver departs.

No Trades This Summer
n/a

VT Writer: Wesley Johnson

Trades originate from either a positional need or an overabundance at a position. The Vikings did a good job addressing their positional deficiencies in free agency and the draft. They also aren’t bloated at any one position heading into the summer. While some positions could potentially benefit from added talent, the smart move might be to hold tight and work with what we have at this point.

CB Jalen Ramsey
from MIA

VT Writer: Henrique Gucciardi

Dec 11, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback J. Ramsey (5) takes to the field prior to the game against the Tennessee Titans at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports.

The CB room is arguably the only weaker link on the Vikings roster right now. Everyone on the Dolphins, including Ramsey, is acting like the 3x All-Pro is already out, so why not trade for him?

CB Jalen Ramsey
from MIA

VT Writer: Ted Schwerzler

The cornerback options on the open market aren’t great. It may be time to pull the trigger and get Jalen Ramsey.

CB Jalen Ramsey
from MIA

VT Writer: Josh Frey

Ultimately, it would be a little surprising to see the Vikings make a trade this summer, but if they do, they might as well go all-in at a position of need.

Ramsey won a Super Bowl with Kevin O’Connell in 2021, and he can be a strong veteran presence in Minnesota’s secondary. Unlike last year, the Vikings have all of their Round 1-3 picks for the 2026 Draft, so it’s certainly possible to make a deal happen depending on interest from other teams.

CB Jalen Ramsey
from MIA

VT Writer: Cole Smith

Dec 5, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) moves the ball against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) after a fumble recovery during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

It would have been tough to part with a pick with limited capital in the 2025 draft, but the Vikings will have more resources in 2026. If they can swing a Day 2 pick to get Ramsey, Brian Flores could have the game-changing corner needed to take the Vikings’ defense to the next level.

CB Jalen Ramsey
from MIA

VT Writer: Ali Siddiqui

The Vikings could use another cornerback, and Kevin O’Connell knows him from his time with the Rams. Ramsey has a huge contract, but look for the Vikings to rework it.