Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell stands beside vast receiver Justin Jefferson and linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. because the fourth quarter unfolds at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. On Dec. 24, 2023, the trio reacts collectively to a pivotal second in opposition to Detroit throughout a high-stakes NFC North matchup in Minneapolis late that afternoon. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
Bear in mind final summer season, when the Minnesota Vikings clumsily traded defensive sort out Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon to the Indianapolis Colts? Followers will hope to keep away from a re-run of these ill-fated transactions, however that doesn’t imply current gamers are resistant to new marching orders.
With coaching camp about three weeks out, right here’s a take a look at probably the most tradeable Vikings gamers, listed in ascending order (No. 1 = participant more than likely to be traded).
Coaching Camp May Make A number of Gamers Expendable
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray speaks with reporters after OTA observe on the TCO Efficiency Heart, discussing his transition into a brand new offense. On Could 27, 2026, Murray addresses his work with J.J. McCarthy and growing chemistry with Jauan Jennings as Minnesota continues its offseason program in Eagan throughout one other necessary spring set up session. Obligatory Credit score: YouTube
4. The Man Named QB2
One man — both Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy — shall be named QB1 in mid-August, and the opposite shall be penciled in because the backup quarterback. Whereas we don’t count on it one iota, there’s all the time an opportunity that the QB2 rages and requests a commerce.
For instance, fake that McCarthy scores the upset. Murray may suppose, “I didn’t come here to be some damn backup. Trade me to the New York Jets or release me.”
Unlikely — however you get it.
A to Z Sports activities‘ Tyler Forness wrote this week, “If Murray doesn’t win the job, he likely requests a trade because he’s playing for what is probably his final big contract. For McCarthy, losing the competition would essentially eliminate his chance of being the long-term answer in Minnesota.”
“In this scenario, Max Brosmer profiles as the developmental QB3 option. The structure here is intentional. Keeping Wentz as the backup rather than the losing competitor removes the pressure of a starter constantly looking over his shoulder.”
3. Tai Felton | WR
Former basic supervisor Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drafted Felton in Spherical 3 about 14 months in the past, after which when the common season hit, Felton hardly performed on offense. Once you noticed Felton on the sphere for passing downs, you texted your buddy and mentioned, “Is that Felton out there?!?”
It shouldn’t be that method.
If undrafted free-agent rookie Dillon Bell turns into the actual deal at coaching camp, Felton may very well be expendable, and if the Vikings’ coaches know they’ll lower Felton, new basic supervisor Nolan Teasley, who has completely zero allegiance to Felton, may commerce him elsewhere for a Sixth- or Seventh-Spherical choose.
It’s higher to get a late-round draft choose for the speedster than launch him for nothing.
Our Ted Schwerzler famous on Felton earlier within the offseason, “Last season, Felton played in all 17 games, but the rookie logged just 46 total offensive snaps. He played heavily on special teams, but contributed only three catches (on three targets) for 25 yards.”
“There is a serious level of uncertainty regarding his development and readiness for the next step. The third wide receiver role is wide open after the departure of Nailor. Felton is the straightforward answer as to how the position should be filled, but that comes down to Kevin O’Connell’s belief in where he currently stands.”
Felton has 4.37 velocity.
“A decade ago, the Vikings had another former Maryland wide receiver they were breaking in. Stefon Diggs, who the New England Patriots just released, was a fifth-round pick in 2015. He played in just 13 games as a rookie, but started nine and had 720 yards with four touchdowns,” Schwerzled added.
2. Ivan Tempo Jr. | LB
Minnesota unceremoniously benched Tempo Jr. in 2025 in favor of Eric Wilson, who performed at a Professional Bowl stage. Fortunately for his sake, the Vikings re-signed Tempo Jr. this offseason however on a contract that may be very, very simple to commerce or cancel.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. tracks the play throughout an NFC Wild Card matchup with the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Tempo stays lively across the soccer as Minnesota’s protection works via a high-pressure postseason task in Glendale in opposition to a well-recognized convention opponent. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
If rookie Jake Golday is prepared for speedy common season enjoying time, Teasley may dangle Tempo Jr. in entrance of an LB-needy crew for a late-round choose. It’s the identical logic as Felton: stash a draft choose if you realize the man is about to be lower.
1. Theo Jackson | S
Jackson is the highest commerce candidate this summer season for 2 causes:
1 | Minnesota drafted Jakobe Thomas from Miami, squeezing the roster math for Jackson, who was benched in favor of Jay Ward in December. There’s no method Thomas received’t have a job on the lively roster this autumn, and the Vikings normally maintain a particular groups man like Tavierre Thomas aboard.
2 | Harrison Smith may come again for one remaining experience. If he does, Jackson’s roster safety is admittedly unsure.
Minnesota Vikings security Theo Jackson strains up in opposition to the Los Angeles Rams throughout an NFC Wild Card recreation at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Jackson takes his place in Minnesota’s secondary because the Vikings battle via a tense postseason matchup in Glendale with their season hanging within the stability. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
In the meantime, a coach like Matt Daniels — the Washington Commanders’ new defensive coordinator and former Vikings defensive passing recreation coordinator — may sniff round Jackson’s availability and ship a Seventh-Rounder to Minnesota if Washington wants an additional security.
For higher or worse, it is likely to be protected to say that Jackson is expendable with Jakobe Thomas in the home.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
