Minnesota Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson (87) carries the ball after a reception whereas defended by Atlanta Falcons security Billy Bowman Jr. (33) throughout second-half motion on September 14, 2025, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis. Hockenson’s capacity to achieve yards after the catch remained central to Minnesota’s passing assault because the Vikings labored to determine offensive rhythm. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Photos.
Figuring out the Vikings’ commerce candidates isn’t a precise science. Assume poetry as an alternative of math.
Nonetheless, some guesses could be made.
A commerce is an occasion of needing two to tango. The Vikings might search to commerce the worst participant on the 90-man roster however wouldn’t discover any takers. On the opposite finish of issues is an unwillingness to commerce the staff’s greatest participant: Justin Jefferson. The NFL would characteristic 31 groups keen to make a suggestion; the Vikings would decline all of them in need of one thing absurd.
Try some choices that seem extra lifelike. They’re listed in no explicit order.
The Vikings’ Commerce Candidates — A Prime 5
1 — Ivan Tempo Jr., Linebacler
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Tempo Jr. (0) celebrates after returning a fumble for a landing towards the Detroit Lions in the course of the fourth quarter at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Oct 20, 2024. Tempo raises his arms in celebration following the defensive rating in the course of the NFC North matchup late within the recreation. Necessary Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Photos.
Current years have been disappointing for Mr. Tempo. Nonetheless, he’s a 25-year-old linebacker who could make performs behind the road of scrimmage. Absolutely there’s a staff on the market that’s fascinated by his potential.
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Minnesota seems completely satisfied to roll into 2026 with a deep linebacker spot. Doing so frees Eric Wilson and probably Jake Golday to assist at edge rusher. Tempo is a part of the combination as an off-ball linebacker who might free these extra versatile gamers.
Figuring out {that a} completely different participant may very well be the LB4 might imply recouping north of $3.5 million, per OTC.
2 — Theo Jackson, Security
Minnesota Vikings security Theo Jackson (26) traces up defensively throughout NFC Wild Card motion towards the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 13, 2025. Jackson contributed to Minnesota’s secondary rotation in the course of the postseason matchup because the Vikings tried to gradual the Rams’ passing assault on the playoff stage in Arizona. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photos.
What occurs if Harrison Smith returns?
Josh Metellus is assured of a beginning spot. Jay Ward boasts upside as an extended, explosive fourth-year participant. Rookie newcomer Jakobe Thomas boasts a pleasant construct and a few on-field snarl. Buying and selling Jackson wouldn’t end in something greater than a late-round choose, probably being as modest of swapping a seventh for a sixth.
Transferring him out would free $1.67 million.
3 — Tai Felton, Vast Receiver
Minnesota Vikings broad receiver Tai Felton (13) fields the ball and turns upfield throughout first-quarter motion towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers, Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis. Felton accelerates into house as Minnesota seems to be to generate early momentum in a key division matchup at residence. Necessary Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Photos.
Tai Felton is a depth receiver who boasts elite wheels. He has confirmed to be feisty on specials as a implausible possibility out at gunner.
His difficulty is that he bought drafted by the previous entrance workplace. Some struggles in coaching camp might create issues since gunners usually aren’t tremendous powerful to search out. He’s a sophomore who bought chosen within the third in 2025. There’s a staff on the market keen to ship a fifth or sixth for him.
4 — T.J. Hockenson, Tight Finish
Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts after scoring a landing towards the Washington Commanders in the course of the second half at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photos
Contemplate a very unfavourable evaluation of Hockenson’s recreation:
He doesn’t rating many touchdowns.
His yards-per-catch common has been modest currently.
He has by no means been often called a terrific blocker.
Already, Minnesota has lowered his compensation. Shrinking his cap cost got here with the commerce off of setting him free a yr early so he can attempt to land one other beefy deal subsequent March. Does GM Teasley get forward of the sticks by buying and selling the TE? Minnesota would recoup $10.25 million.
5 — Walter Rouse, Offensive Sort out/Guard
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard celebrates with punter Ryan Wright (17) after a area purpose towards the Philadelphia Eagles in the course of the fourth quarter at Lincoln Monetary Discipline. Necessary Credit score: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports activities
Rouse is a hulking presence who seems to be massive even when he stands beside different NFL linemen. One thing to be mentioned for that, of us. Higher but, he’s bought some versatility; Minnesota has been experimenting with him inside.
The rationale right here is that the Vikings might mirror that Vederian Lowe commerce from a number of years in the past. Adofo-Mensah shipped out the Day 3 OT for a Day 3 choose because the staff decided there wasn’t a future for Lowe within the Twin Cities. One thing comparable might happen, particularly since there’s a logjam at OT.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Electronic mail: okay.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
