The Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs are the only two undefeated teams across the National Football League . Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has his team humming through the first five weeks of the season.
As they come out of the bye, they will look to keep that momentum going . But with the trade deadline looming, they’re expected to add reinforcements to help with the stretch run, toward the playoffs.
Trade deadline represents opportunity for Minnesota Vikings
Traditionally the NFL trade deadline has often been something of a dud. The 17-game season started during the 2021 schedule, but the trade deadline remained in place on the Tuesday after Week 8. This year the trade deadline has been pushed to Week 9 .
It falls on election day, November 5th. At 5-0, the Vikings will play three more games, prior to the deadline. How aggressive they get remains to be seen, but teams have been showing a greater willingness to make waves, in the weeks leading up to the deadline. This year will be no different, especially for the Minnesota Vikings. In fact, The Athletic beat writer, Alec Lewis , believes “we should expect something” to happen.
During general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s tenure, he has not let a trade deadline go by without making a move. In 2022, the Vikings swung big for Hockenson. Last year, they fortified their quarterback position with Josh Dobbs. We should expect something . The question is how aggressive they’ll get with a minimal bundle of picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. Losing any key defensive contributor could lead to some tire-kicking, and Jones’ health is another spot to watch.
Alec Lewis on the Vikings trade deadline possibilities (The Athletic)
As Lewis points out, the running back situation could turn dire if Jones is to miss substantial time . Ty Chandler is the only other consistent back on the roster, and that isn’t ideal depth for the stretch run. Beyond that though, the Vikings adding would be a boost because they can, rather than because they need to.
Related: 4 Minnesota Vikings Stats That Help Make Sense of Undefeated Start
This is a situation the Vikings weren’t supposed to be in , but it’s one they have to be incredibly happy about experiencing. It’s because of how the Minnesota Vikings went about their offseason that they even have an opportunity to explore adding talent.
Vikings offseason sets up opportunity to utilize the trade deadline
By not paying the freight for Kirk Cousins or Danielle Hunter, the organization afforded themselves breathing room under the salary cap. That was evident in signing Stephon Gilmore , and it could again play out following Week 9.
Right now the Vikings have a relatively healthy roster, and they are competing at an incredibly high level. They don’t have to make a reactionary addition like they did last season with Josh Dobbs . Instead, adding talent to bolster the overall strength and depth of the roster makes sense. There will be multiple names available, and Minnesota can conceivably be in on whomever they deem a fit.
Related: 6 Minnesota Vikings Trades We’d Love To See After the Bye, Including An All-Pro
It’s pretty shocking to think that O’Connell’s offense would add someone like Amari Cooper . The wide receiver position is already impressive, but being able to pull off that sort of move is a testament to the decisions made thus far.
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