The Vikings’ Trade Checklist Ahead of the ’25 NFL Deadline
The Vikings’ trade habits have increased since Kwesi Adofo-Mensah took over in 2022. The young GM has orchestrated a whopping 34 trades. Notably, there has never been a season when Adofo-Mensah hasn’t pulled off at least one swap.
So, is there going to be at least one more in 2025?
The 3-2 Vikings are far from a perfect team. There is, nevertheless, an argument that Minnesota is a good team, one capable of going on a run if all the stars align. Does the GM seek to give his fellas a boost by bringing someone into the mix to help? If so, what’s going to be needed to see a trade (or two) get across the finish line by Tuesday, November 4th at 3 p.m. CT?
The Vikings’ Trade Checklist
Factor #1 — Money that Makes Sense
Start off with the obvious: the finances need to be sensible.
Currently, the Vikings have somewhere around $16.9 million in cap space. That’s not enough to finance every move but it will be enough to finance most moves. As a result, the money shouldn’t be understood as being a massive stumbling block.
Factor #2 — Addressing a Position of Need
Back in 2022, the Vikings welcomed T.J. Hockenson to take heat off of Justin Jefferson. Back in 2023, the Vikings welcomed Cam Akers and Joshua Dobbs to function as depth for injury-depleted positions. Back in 2024, the Vikings welcomed Cam Robinson to step into the vacant starting spot due to Christian Darrisaw’s injury.
Where does that leave us as we look ahead? Any hints about where Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will go?
For starters, one thinks of the center position. Ryan Kelly has a pair of concussions so far in 2025, a very concerning reality that needs to be taken seriously. Perhaps the solution is Blake Brandel. Perhaps the solution is Michael Jurgens. Maybe a move for someone like the New Orleans center or the Cleveland center?
A more proactive approach could involve addressing a spot like corner, perhaps for a strong veteran such as Cleveland’s Denzel Ward.
Factor #3 — Not Sacrificing Too Much
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah likely wants that Adam Thielen trade back.
At the time, there was some merit to the deal. The receiver position was clobbered by injury. Justin Jefferson missed essentially all of August. Jordan Addison, not hurt, was going to be gone for three weeks due to suspension. Plus, Jalen Nailor was uncertain coming into the season due to his own injury. Tally up the score and that’s some issue with the Vikings’ top three receivers.
Even still, the GM can’t be too pleased since the deal involved losing a 4th. The 35-year-old receiver has slid into the WR4 job. Across five games, Thielen has 4 catches for 37 yards.
Factor #4 — An Eye Toward the Future While Dealing with the Present
Sometimes, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah puts together a trade that has an eye toward the future.
One thinks back to 2023 when Ezra Cleveland got sent down to Jacksonville. Doing so cleared the way for Dalton Risner to maintain his spot as the LG1 within the season. But then there was the reality of Minnesota apparently not being overly interested is handing over major money to Cleveland. Solving that future problem — not handing over meaty compensation to the athletic left guard — meant saying goodbye in-season.
The future-oriented approach applies to additions, as well. Maybe the player helps the team in 2025. Does the player’s future scramble the salary cap in 2026? If so, is there an easy out within the contract that brings minimal pain? Don’t give the 2025 season a shot of adrenaline at the cost of undermining 2026.
Details to consider for the Vikings’ trade possibilities.
Factor #5 — Willing Seller(s)
A touch obvious, perhaps, but sometimes the basics can get missed.
Pulling off a trade is a classic case of needing two to tango. All of the first four factors — cap space, positional need, acquisition price, and the future — could make sense and yet still go nowhere if the other GM doesn’t want to send a player out.
So, something to monitor.
Hapless teams like the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints (among others) make sense as groups who could plausibly be interested in offloading talent. Do note, though, that teams aren’t in the habit of helping another squad for no reason. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will therefore need to assemble a good sales pitch.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline arrives on Tuesday, November 4th.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
