The Minnesota Vikings had a weird 2025 season. While they had one of the best defensive units in the NFL (Third best by stats), they were nowhere near being a playoff contender this season. A lot of this was down to J.J. McCarthy proving to be an unreliable starter, but there are other areas where they could improve, and even their defense would benefit from a couple of trades to cement their elite status.
Here are five trades that could help the Vikings
5 Potential Trade Candidates Minnesota Vikings Could Target This Offseason
#5 Tyler Linderbaum – C
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
This isn’t a trade per se, as there is every chance that Linderbaum will become a free agent. But he would be a very welcome addition to the Vikings. Injuries plagued veteran Ryan Kelly in 2025, and it looks like he’s about to retire. Linderbaum has earned three straight Pro Bowl selections, the first offensive lineman to do so since Marshal Yanda. He would be a fine addition to the Minnesota Vikings.
#4 D.J. Moore – WR
The Minnesota Vikings have had a difficult relationship with wide receiver Jordan Addison, and rumors are that they will attempt to trade him before they have to let him go for free next year. Addison’s suspensions and legal issues have already proven he’s a liability. This creates the need to get another receiver to support Justin Jefferson. Why not Chicago’s D.J. Moore, who had similar numbers to Addinson’s this season?
#3 Maxx Crosby – DE
Maxx Crosby is a burdensome player for the Las Vegas Raiders to retain (some $74 million), especially after his 2027 salary becomes fully guaranteed starting in March. On the other hand, he’s a two-time Second Team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler who would be at home in the third-best defense in the league. It isn’t an absolute need for the Vikings, but it could be an opportunity they could take advantage of.
#2 Trent McDuffie – CB
McDuffie is contracted to the Kansas City Chiefs through 2026. It’s been commonplace for the Chiefs to trade cornerbacks rather than pay them an extension. This is the last year that the team could extract some benefit from his departure, and they are possibly looking to some sort of rebuild after a disappointing 2025 campaign. The one-time First Team All-Pro and one-time Second Team All-Pro could be another scoop for the defensively minded Vikings.
#1 Kyler Murray – QB
Many in the NFL would agree that J.J. McCarthy’s first season as a starter wasn’t the stuff of dreams. He once more proved he’s injury-prone and wasn’t an inspiring signal-caller when healthy. It’s all but a forgone conclusion that Kyler Murray will be out of the Arizona Cardinals sooner rather than later. If the Minnesota Vikings want a starter-ready quarterback, it’s difficult to see them finding one better than the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Heisman Trophy winner.
Read More:
Skip Bayless Makes Preference Clear for Shedeur Sanders as Todd Monken Doesn’t Receive Confidence
Future Super Bowl Locations: Full List of Host Cities and Stadiums for 2027, 2028, and Beyond
Seahawks vs Patriots Super Bowl 2015: Full Recap of One of the NFL’s Most Iconic Games
CJ Stroud’s Haters Receive Stark Warning as Texans Star Shares Plan for Next Season
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in tennis, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
