What do the Vikings need at the trade deadline?

Brad Rempel / Imagn Images By Dane Mizutani / St. Paul Pioneer Press Today at 6:38 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? In the NFL, there’s a significant disadvantage in playing on Monday at 7:15 p.m. when the trade deadline is on Tuesday at 3 p.m. That doesn’t mean the Minnesota Vikings can use their circumstance as an excuse. They could use an infusion of talent on each side of the ball — if they really see themselves as true contenders. ADVERTISEMENT It’s incumbent on Nolan Teasley, then, that he has all of his ducks in a row ahead of his initial trade deadline as the Vikings’ general manager. It’s almost certainly going to be a chaotic stretch inside TCO Performance Center until the deadline rolls around. Though the thought of the Vikings adding a quarterback has been a major talking point, the pathway for that to actually happen is becoming more and more narrow, although that can always change in the late stages of negotiations. Here are some other, more realistic positions where the Vikings could use help. Running back After talking up the running game throughout the summer, the Vikings simply haven’t been effective enough. They are averaging 113.9 yards per game on the ground with almost no depth behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. What if Jones or Mason go down? It’s hard to imagine the Vikings relying of either of them to be the bell cow in the backfield, and that’s why Minnesota has been linked to Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor, who would bring an instant dynamism to the position. Would the Vikings be willing to give up the premium draft capital needed to pry him away from the Colts? If it’s too steep for Taylor, a pivot to Breece Hall of the New York Jets or Tennessee’s Tony Pollard might suffice. Tight end The loss of Josh Oliver has loomed large since he was placed on injured reserve with a torn bicep. As talented as T.J. Hockenson is as a pass catcher, he doesn’t bring even close to the same power Oliver did as a blocker. ADVERTISEMENT Neither does Gavin Bartholomew or Ben Yurosek. It could behoove the Vikings to see if somebody like, say, Charlie Kolar of the Los Angeles Chargers or Arizona’s Elijah Higgins could be had for the right price. Offensive line There has been a lot to like from Joe Huber as he fills in at right guard for the injured Donovan Jackson. That said, the Vikings should probably think about adding in the trenches, especially as Will Fries continues to leave something to be desired. This could be an aggressive move for a starter that would immediately slot in, or a safer move for a depth piece. A name that could make sense is Jackson Powers-Johnson of the Las Vegas Raiders. Defensive line It’s too soon to make a declarative statements about Caleb Banks or Domonique Orange. They still have time to develop into good players on the interior. But this isn’t a group that can wait around for development, so the Vikings should be active in seeing if they can find another rotational piece up front. That could be Grover Stewart of the Colts or Philadelphia’s Moro Ojomo. Neither team has playoffs prospects, so they could try to cash in on players with contracts set to expire. Text Example ____________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags MINNESOTA VIKINGS NFL FOOTBALL Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Pro Wild’s hitman Yakov Trenin looking for first goal of season 1h ago · By John Shipley / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Do the Wild have the NHL’s best top line right now? 9h ago · By John Shipley / St. Paul Pioneer Press Pro Ayo Dosunmu, Timberwolves handle Jazz for 4th straight win 23h ago · By Field Level Media ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Local Dickinson registers more than 150 AEDs, explores Cardiac Ready Community designation 5h ago · By Press Staff Local Dozens gather to support Southwest Art Gallery & Science Center's annual gala 6h ago · By Dorvall Bedford College Clock strikes midnight for DSU in loss to Montana Tech 7h ago · By Carter Dooner Prep The Dickinson Press - Area Athletics, Nov 6, 2026 2d ago · By Carter Dooner