Oct 6, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) celebrates his interception within the second half in opposition to the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Area at Mile Excessive. Necessary Credit score: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photos
The Boston Celtics accepted a criminally low commerce bundle for Jaylen Brown, the Los Angeles Lakers spent the farm on Walter Kessler, the Minnesota Timberwolves despatched the anticipated value to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is a member of the Miami Warmth after a landmark commerce.
So, we ask — what if the Minnesota Vikings splash on this method? It’s most likely unlikely as a result of new normal supervisor Nolan Teasley will wish to protect draft picks, however let’s check out the outlandish potentialities.
Why even hassle with this record? As a result of, for instance, the Philadelphia 76ers had been 100-to-1 odds to land Brown, and look what occurred. Something is feasible in sports activities.
Vikings May Have Sufficient Roster Flexibility for One Large Swing
Las Vegas Raiders defensive finish Maxx Crosby (98) strikes by pregame warmups at SoFi Stadium, with Oct. 20, 2024 putting him in Inglewood, California, earlier than kickoff in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams. Crosby brings his acquainted edge vitality and disruptive presence as Las Vegas prepares for a highway matchup that Sunday afternoon. Necessary Credit score: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Photos.
1. Maxx Crosby (OLB) to MIN for Two 1st-Rounders
Because of the Baltimore Ravens’ shenanigans, we already know the worth for Crosby, who will evidently simply return to the Las Vegas Raiders as if nothing occurred.
The Vikings already traded Jonathan Greenard this offseason, paving the best way for Dallas Turner to begin with out obstacle, however don’t overlook that Andrew Van Ginkel, the opposite most important EDGE rusher, is scheduled to check free company in March 2027. Theoretically, Teasley might donate his subsequent two 1st-Rounders for a certain factor in Crosby and lengthen the group’s Tremendous Bowl window.
Crosby ranks sixth in sacks (69.5) leaguewide since turning professional in 2019. Like each commerce on this record, this one is a protracted shot. Teasley most likely received’t eliminate his 1st-Rounders until he embraces the Los Angeles Rams’ longstanding team-building philosophy.
2. J.J. McCarthy (QB) to IND for Anthony Richardson (QB)
Minnesota drafted McCarthy in April 2024, and thru two seasons, it’s protected to say the experiment has not panned out as deliberate, primarily due to McCarthy’s harm woes. He’s missed 73% of all eligible video games as a consequence of accidents.
The Vikings had been reportedly excessive on Richardson in the course of the 2023 NFL Draft, so on this state of affairs, they swap quarterbacks with related modus operandi. Neither the Vikings nor the Colts know whether or not their quarterbacks will blossom into starters, as their first few years within the league have been marred by accidents.
3. Garrett Bradbury (C) Again to MIN for a Sixth-Rounder
The New England Patriots determined that 2025 Third-Rounder Jared Wilson will begin at middle in 2026, buying and selling Bradbury to the Chicago Bears for a Fifth-Spherical decide a number of months in the past. Bradbury would begin for the Bears and face the Vikings twice yearly, proper? Most likely not. Chicago then drafted Iowa’s Logan Jones in Spherical 2 two months in the past; groups don’t spend 2nd-Spherical draft capital and redshirt them, not less than not ceaselessly.
Subsequently, barring a bench project for Bradbury, he might be on the commerce block, and Minnesota is scheduled to begin Blake Brandel at middle. Bradbury definitely wasn’t cherished by all throughout his six seasons with the Vikings, however he is likely to be higher than Brandel.
A Sixth-Rounder would doubtless get the commerce throughout the end line. The commerce could be thought-about “outlandish” as a result of Bradbury left the group not way back, and the Bears and Vikings not often have interaction in commerce enterprise.
4. Riley Moss (CB) to MIN for a 4th-Rounder
Jahdae Barron is itching for taking part in time in Denver after the Broncos drafted him in Spherical 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, whereas Sean Payton and pals already make use of Patrick Surtain II and Ja’Quan McMillian at cornerback.
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) tracks the ball throughout warmups at Paycor Stadium, with Dec. 28, 2024 marking the pregame scene in Cincinnati, Ohio, earlier than Denver’s matchup with the Bengals. Moss works by his routine because the Broncos put together for a late-season AFC take a look at on the highway. Necessary Credit score: Katie Stratman-Imagn Photos.
These are Moss’s passer ranking allowed marks over the past two years:
2025 — 88.22024 — 95.4
And his Professional Soccer Focus grades:
2025 — 64.22024 — 57.8
Moss performed practically 1,100 snaps on protection final yr — a workhorse — and his contract will run out after this season. It’s value noting that the Vikings have loved some luck with guys named Moss.
5. Budda Baker (S) to MIN for a 4th-Rounder
Fake Harrison Smith doesn’t return for 12 months No. 15. Minnesota would embark on the 2026 marketing campaign with Josh Metellus, Jay Ward, Theo Jackson, and rookie Jakobe Thomas at security. Is that sufficient firepower? Perhaps, perhaps not.
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) secures a cross throughout pregame drills at Paycor Stadium, with Dec. 28, 2024 capturing the warmup second in Cincinnati, Ohio, earlier than Denver meets the Cincinnati Bengals. Moss sharpens his fingers and footwork because the Broncos prepare for an necessary late-season highway recreation. Necessary Credit score: Katie Stratman-Imagn Photos.
Baker is a confirmed commodity and an eight-time Professional Bowler. The Arizona Cardinals will set sail on 2026 with Jacoby Brissett, Gardner Minshew, or Carson Beck at quarterback, proving that they’re not overly severe about contending and doubtless biding their time for a brand new signal-caller from the 2027 NFL Draft. Baker could wish to play for a contender, and in principle, he might wind down his profession in Minnesota.
New Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray was a teammate of Baker for seven seasons within the desert. Baker has visited the postseason simply as soon as in 9 seasons. Maybe his fortunes might change in Minnesota.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
