NFL: Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

At most, the Vikings’ trade tally will climb up to a pair. Pulling off two trades would be bold and frisky. Much more likely is either standing pat or doing a single swap.

So, don’t go too far with the ten names. All we’re doing is making some plausible connections.

Plenty of names are flying around in the NFL’s trade rumors. To help shrink things down, I’ve looked to Daniel Popper of The Athletic since he does the ambitious work of collecting a whopping 50 players who could get traded. Consider some players who look like decent fits for the Vikings due to some combination of fit, need, projected cost, and so on.

The Vikings’ Trade Board Ahead of ’26 NFL Deadline

No. 10 — S Minkah Fitzpatrick

NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (80) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) in the second quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images – Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The terrific safety would make Minnesota’s secondary considerably more dangerous. Part of the issue is that Brian Flores and Minkah Fitzpatrick have a history. Generally, the coach/player overlap is a good thing but there has been friction in this relationship.

No. 9 — QB Daniel Jones

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Truth be told, I’m not convinced this is a good fit. However, the Colts are a mess of a team that’s likely looking to embrace the tank. Jones is a great athlete (albeit one who had a serious injury last season) who has great size alongside some knowledge of the Kevin O’Connell scheme.

No. 8 — TE Mo Alie-Cox

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox (81) makes a catch for a touchdown in front of Jacksonville Jaguars safety Eric Murray (29) during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The massive tight end is a massive tight end. Minnesota needs one of those since Josh Oliver got hurt. Mo Alie-Cox is an overlooked, underrated veteran who stands at 6’5″ and who weighs 267 pounds. The 33-year-old pass catcher doesn’t catch many passes but he’s a good blocker.

No. 7 — LG Ben Bredeson

As far as I can tell, Mr. Bredeson isn’t often mentioned within the broader NFL trade chatter. Nevertheless, the veteran interior lineman offers appeal due to his versatility, connection to the Vikings (his brother, Max, plays in Minnesota), and playing on a poor Tampa Bay team.

No. 6 — RB Alvin Kamara

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints
Oct 25, 2026; Paris, FRA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) makes a tackle on New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) during the second quarter at Stade de France. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Vikings need help at running back. In Alvin Kamara, the Vikings would be adding a veteran who can run and catch. Something to be said for that as the depth chart shuffling is an ongoing process. Could he ignite the screen game?

No. 5 — S Camryn Bynum

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Mr. Bynum went to Indianapolis when the Colts had an optimistic outlook. No longer. The Vikings may seek a reunion with the safety who got his career off the ground dancing up a storm in Minneapolis. How enthused would Minnesota’s fans be to see Bynum dancing alongside Josh Metellus yet again?

No. 4 — S Derwin James

NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills
Sep 27, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis (7) carries the ball while defended by Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) in the second half at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

He’s older, pricey, and hurt. He’s elite when he’s out there. Could he be had for cheap? Worth a phone call.

No. 3 — RB Tony Pollard

The veteran can both run and catch. So far, Tony Pollard’s 2026 has featured 133 carries for 595 yards and 6 touchdowns. His 4.5 yards-per-carry average is very healthy. The Titans’ RB1 is playing in a contract year, meaning a trade is easier to digest.

No. 2 — RB Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands the ball to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands the ball to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. – Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

At the top of his game, Jonathan Taylor is an elite runner. Minnesota hasn’t had an elite runner in a little while. The Colts likely want a decent haul but Minnesota would be foolish to go beyond a 3rd, a total that’s likely not enough.

No. 1 — QB Kirk Cousins

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In an odd twist of fate, Kirk Cousins is now the top Vikings trade option. What a world, eh? The 4-5 Raiders have indicated that he’s not for sale, according to Adam Schefter. All that means is that he won’t be had for cheap. Do the Vikings pay enough to get him?



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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.