3 Realistic Trade Targets for the Minnesota Vikings
As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Minnesota Vikings find themselves in an interesting spot. Sitting at 5-2, they look like a strong playoff contender, but the recent losses to Detroit and Los Angeles exposed some vulnerabilities that may need addressing for a deeper postseason push. With only three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings will need to be strategic in their approach.
While fans and analysts have floated high-profile trade targets like Dexter Lawrence or Jeffery Simmons, these players may be too costly for the Vikings in terms of draft capital. Instead, the Vikings could focus on more affordable options, much like they did in free agency. In this article, we explore three realistic trade targets that fit key areas the Vikings could look to upgrade before the 2025 trade deadline.
Adam Butler, DT, Las Vegas Raiders
One of the primary areas the Vikings need to strengthen is the defensive line. While Harrison Phillips is enjoying a career year as the team’s nose tackle, the rest of the line has underperformed. Neither Jerry Tillery nor Jonathan Bullard has recorded a sack, and the unit has struggled to stop the run.
Though the Vikings only give up 84 rushing yards per game, this number is misleading. Opponents have passed more frequently due to the Vikings holding leads in many games. In contests where opponents have rushed more than 20 times, Minnesota has allowed an average of 106 yards. Their inability to stop the run at critical moments was a key factor in their loss to Detroit, where they gave up 144 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
With the trade deadline looming, the Vikings could prioritize fortifying their defensive line. A big-name player like Lawrence may be out of reach, but a more attainable option is Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler.
Signed by the Raiders in 2023 as a rotational piece, Butler quickly proved his value, recording five sacks in limited snaps. When Christian Wilkins was injured early this season, Butler stepped in and became a bright spot on the Raiders’ defense.
Butler is solid against the run and offers a pass-rushing upgrade over the Vikings’ current options. He could replace Jerry Tillery and improve the position almost immediately. As Butler is set to become a free agent next season, the Raiders might be willing to trade him for draft capital.
Proposed Trade: Minnesota sends a 2025 5th-round pick and a 2026 5th-round pick to Las Vegas for Adam Butler and a 2025 7th-round pick.
Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns
Another area the Vikings need to bolster is cornerback. Minnesota has allowed the third-most passing yards per game, surrendering 260.3 yards, according to Pro Football Reference. While the Vikings have been leading in many games, prompting opponents to pass more frequently, this is still a concerning number, highlighting issues in the secondary.
The Vikings’ starting cornerbacks — Shaq Griffin, Stephon Gilmore, and Byron Murphy Jr. — have been generally solid but inconsistent at times. The bigger issue, however, lies in the depth behind them. Akayleb Evans has struggled since last season, and backups Fabian Moreau and Dwight McGlothern have been inactive for most of the year. If any of the starters need a rest or go down with an injury, the talent drop-off is significant.
Trading for a cornerback would not only add much-needed depth but could also bring in a potential starter for 2025. All three of the Vikings’ current starting cornerbacks will become free agents after this season, leaving Evans and the injured Mekhi Blackmon as the only viable options under contract for next year.
One player who could make sense for Minnesota is Greg Newsome II of the Cleveland Browns. Drafted in 2021, Newsome has become a reliable presence in Cleveland’s secondary. He broke out a bit last season with 14 passes defended and two interceptions. Newsome’s versatility — he can play both outside and in the slot — makes him an attractive option for the Vikings, as he could either challenge Murphy for a starting spot or provide invaluable depth.
At just 24 years old and still on his rookie contract, Newsome would be a long-term asset for the Vikings. Should the Browns decide to part ways with him as they rebuild, Minnesota could capitalize on his talent for both this season and next.
Proposed Trade: Minnesota sends Akayleb Evans, a 2025 5th-round pick, and a 2026 3rd-round pick to Cleveland for Greg Newsome II and a 2025 7th-round pick.
Daniel Brunskill, OL, Tennessee Titans
Offensive line is another area the Vikings might look to improve before the trade deadline. The Vikings’ offensive line has been inconsistent, with moments of brilliance followed by plays where they look like turnstiles. This inconsistency has contributed to Minnesota allowing the fourth-most sacks per game in the NFL, with Sam Darnold being sacked an average of 3.2 times per game.
Most of the pressure has come from the interior, where right guard Ed Ingram has struggled significantly. According to Pro Football Focus, Ingram ranks 69th out of 75 graded guards this season. Although Dalton Risner is returning from injured reserve and could potentially replace Ingram, moving Risner from his natural left guard spot to right guard may not be as easy as it sounds. Furthermore, if Risner starts at right guard, relying on Ingram as the primary backup could become a problem if injuries arise among the starters.
This is where trading for Tennessee Titans lineman Daniel Brunskill could make sense. Brunskill has played guard for the Titans for the past two seasons, starting 14 games in 2023. Before that, he was part of a strong San Francisco 49ers offensive line that made it to the Super Bowl in 2019. Brunskill’s ability to play tackle and center, in addition to guard, Brunskill has also played tackle and center, giving him valuable position flexibility.
Brunskill may not be a clear upgrade over Ingram or Risner, but his experience and versatility make him a reliable option if they wish to replace either. At worst, he could provide depth across multiple positions and step in as a starter if needed. His ability to play center could also offer the Vikings an insurance policy in case Garrett Bradbury struggles or suffers an injury.
Proposed Trade: Minnesota sends a 2026 5th-round pick to Tennessee for Daniel Brunskill.
In conclusion, while the Vikings may not have the draft capital to pursue blockbuster trades, they can still make moves to strengthen their roster for a playoff run. By targeting realistic and affordable options like Adam Butler, Greg Newsome II, and Daniel Brunskill, the Vikings could address key weaknesses and position themselves for success both this season and in the future.
SOURCES: Pro Football Focus, Pro Football Reference
The Vikings Have 3 Offensive Line Options