Local Minnesota insider Darren Wolfson recently indicated he “wouldn’t be surprised” if another Vikings trade happened following the Cam Robinson addition. Now that the Vikings have gotten another win since Doogie spoke, it only makes sense for Kwesi to get even more aggressive.

Yet, the Vikings don’t have many 2025 draft picks. In fact, they only have three right now, including their first-round pick. However, in what’s being described as a weak prospect pool, it may make more sense to acquire a proven talent instead of gambling on another young player in the latter portion of the first round.

Below, we look at which current players may be worth trading a first-round pick for, and each scenario is unique.

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Vikings in Get Right Victory Over Colts

D.J. Reed, Jets CB

No, trading a first-round pick for D.J. Reed outright wouldn’t make any sense. He’s set to become a free agent at the end of the season. Yet, since the 27-year-old’s future in New York is murky, at best, it could make sense to place a phone call to the Jets, who are just 3-6.

• D.J. Reed stats: 71.9 passer rating when targeted (12th-best among CBs), 1 of 15 CBs who haven’t allowed a TD

Except, since Reed is on an expiring contract, this trade may make a lot more sense if the Vikings offered their first in exchange for the defensive back while also getting a second or third-round pick in return. While Reed grades as Pro Football Focus’ fourth-best cornerback this season, renting him for a few months is certainly not worth a top pick, which is why the Vikings would need the Jets to offer something in return too.

Still, if the Vikings could connect with Reed’s agent and feel confident about their ability to re-sign him, why not make the Jets an offer too good to refuse? He’d become the long-term replacement for Stephon Gilmore, who’s a free agent at season’s end.

The corner blitz gets home! D.J. Reed with the @nyjets sack 💪#HOUvsNYJ on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/V8YW9BF6qE

— NFL (@NFL) November 1, 2024

Reed has averaged 78 tackles over the past three seasons, and he continually grades positively as a run defender. So, he’d add more than just another solid defender in coverage; he could help the defense in all phases.

Related: Kirk Cousins vs Sam Darnold – Comparing Old/New Minnesota Vikings QBs Through Week 9

Devon Witherspoon, Seahawks CB

Unlike Reed, Devon Witherspoon may be worth parting with a first-round pick, straight up, without getting anything extra in return. Like Reed, the biggest question here is whether the Seahawks would already be willing to part with a player they selected fifth overall in 2023. Teams very rarely move on from a first-round pick, just two years into their career, especially if they’re still playing well.

Yet, after a strong start, the Seahawks have dropped two games in a row and now sit in last place of the NFC West. Would they suddenly hit the panic button and trade a 24-year-old who still has 2-3 years left on his contract? Probably not.

But it never hurts to make a trade offer, the worst that can happen is the Vikings hear a “no” from the Seahawks. He definitely fits the bill as a young, cost-controlled cornerback that can contribute for multiple seasons, and it’s possible Brian Flores can get the best out of him. Plus, just look at the infectious effort he plays with.

5 years after the 2019 Wisconsin game

Here’s Devon Witherspoon again chasing down & preventing a touchdown to keep his team in the game.

Even after a $20 million signing bonus, he’s still that same guy as the freshman hustling his tail off pic.twitter.com/hySChFal3u

— The BoardRoom (@ILLBoardRoom) October 11, 2024

Witherspoon was the NFL’s sixth-highest graded CB per PFF last season, but a scheme change with Mike Macdonald taking over for Pete Carroll has caused him to slip to 30th this season. This could give the Vikings a sliver of hope if the Seahawks are somehow looking to capitalize on his trade value right now in anticipation of bouncing back toward the top of their division next year.

Related: Top Cornerback Could Still Become a Minnesota Vikings Trade Candidate

Jeffery Simmons

If the season ended today, the Titans would end up with the ninth overall pick. Is that good enough to land their franchise quarterback? It might not be. If so, they could feel pressure to add even more selections ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.

One of the best ways for the Titans to do that is by dangling two-time second-team All-Pro DT Jeffery Simmons on the trade block. So far, the Titans have reportedly been unwilling to negotiate a trade involving arguably their best player. Considering they still need to maintain hope and sell tickets, it makes sense not to gut the roster down to the studs.

• Jeffery Simmons stats and PFF grades: 9th-best DT, 7th-best run defender, 6th-most run stops, 21st in pressures

But what if they got an offer that was too good to refuse? That just might happen, if the Vikings are willing to pony up and put their 2025 first-round pick on the table. Simmons is already 27, and there’s no telling when the Titans will return to relevance, but he’d fit right into the Vikings’ current competitive window. He’s also one of the best game-wreckers in football.

Jeffery Simmons generated a season-high 7 pressures and a sack on 37 pass rushes (18.9%) in Week 9 against the Patriots, including 3 pressures in under 2.5 seconds.

He's now recorded at least a 15.0% pressure rate in two consecutive games (per NFL Pro). pic.twitter.com/RhYupnTgZ8

— Easton Freeze (@eastonfreeze) November 4, 2024

Related: Vikings vs Colts: Referee Tries to Explain Latest Missed Roughing Call Against Sam Darnold

Quinnen Williams

Bear with us here. If the Jets were ready to actually compete for a Super Bowl, then Quinnen Williams would never be mentioned here. But at some point, the Jets need to face the reality that they’re not among the best teams in the NFL, let alone the AFC.

Williams is basically the oil that makes the Jets’ defensive engine run. It’s why they didn’t hesitate to make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackles, with a four-year, $96 million contract in 2023. Yet, the Jets need a new franchise quarterback, and they may not find one if they just end up selecting 10th, which is where they’d be if the season ended today.

• Quinnen Williams stats and PFF grades: 13th-best DT, 4th-most pressures, 2nd-most sacks, 22nd in run stops

Jets fans won’t want to hear it, but listening to trade offers on their 27-year-old first-team All-Pro could be what puts this team on a quicker path to contention. We’ve seen the Jets build strong defenses for several years now, but it never leads to a consistent winner.

As much of a difference-maker Williams is, he’s not more valuable than a quarterback. Getting an extra first-round pick would undoubtedly improve New York’s chances to bounce back next season, and there are several defensive line prospects in the upcoming draft class too.

Quinnen Williams has put up the following stats in 2024 according to PFF (DT rank):

6 sacks (2nd)
32 pressures (3rd)
22 hurries (3rd)

Just another elite season.pic.twitter.com/SR1fdJXjmB

— Luke Grant (@LukeGrant7) November 1, 2024

While it’s unlikely that the Jets would trade him, we wouldn’t hesitate to offer a first-round pick for Williams. He has the potential to transcend the Vikings’ defense into the best unit in the NFL.

Related: Will Reichard Injury Update: Latest on Minnesota Vikings Kicker

Dexter Lawrence remains dream Minnesota Vikings trade target

Even though there have been absolutely zero indications that the Giants would listen to a trade for their best player, we’ll never give up the dream of a Dexter Lawrence Vikings trade. He’s just too perfect.

Big enough to bowl over even the biggest, strongest, and toughest interior linemen, adding “Big Sexy” would give the Vikings a much better chance of dominating in the trenches, even against elite teams such as the Lions. He could single-handedly turn this team’s biggest weakness into a strength for years to come.

• Dexter Lawrence stats and PFF grades: 2nd-best DT, most sacks among DTs (2nd-most in NFL), 2nd-most pressures, 5th-most run stops

Lawrence is still just 26 years old. He’s signed through 2027. But he’s also a two-time second-team All-Pro who likely would have a few first-team selections if he were on a better squad or if Aaron Donald didn’t exist.

Dexter Lawrence has been on a different level this season 😤 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6QkkdCbuOi

— NFL (@NFL) November 2, 2024

As much as the Vikings would love to will a trade for the game’s best defensive tackle into existence, it takes two to tango. Odds are the Giants won’t trade the player who has their team logo tattooed on his forearm, and he’s never expressed any public interest in playing anywhere else. But it’s sure fun to dream.

Related: NFL Insider Expects Another Minnesota Vikings Trade Soon

But here they are, with a shiny 5-0 record heading into a pivotal matchup against the 4-1 Lions on Sunday. The winner will be the NFC North’s division leader heading into Week 8. If the Vikings win, they could become aggressive, seeking roster upgrades ahead of the Nov. 5 NFL trade deadline. Recently, a local Vikings insider addressed that very possibility.

Related: Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions is a DVOA Dream

Could the Minnesota Vikings go all in at the trade deadline?

As noted, SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson recently addressed some popular Minnesota Vikings trade rumors floating around the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Here was “Doogie’s” response when asked whether the Vikings could take a Rams-like ‘F them picks’ approach and go all-in ahead of the Nov. 5 trade deadline:

Wolfson’s understandably a busy guy, so we took some time to do a bit of extra research on these players’ respective contracts.

Evaluating Jaycee Horn’s trade fit for the Vikings

The first player he mentioned is young Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (son of former Saints NFL WR Joe Horn). Interestingly enough, the 24-year-old is only under contract through 2025. Since he’s under contract for another year, he could be one of the more attractive options to upgrade the secondary, both now and for years to come.

Horn enters Week 7 graded 36th among 102 qualifying cornerbacks per Pro Football Focus. The Vikings’ starting cornerbacks rank 33rd (Gilmore), 65th (Murphy), and 71st (Griffin). Yet, it should be noted that none of the trio are under contract after this season. Adding Horn would provide more long-term security.

Jaycee Horn slowly becoming a top 3 CB pic.twitter.com/23PJGjZfan

— 𝐪𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 🐾 (@qanthers) October 11, 2024

Related: 4 Bold Predictions for Minnesota Vikings’ Week 7 Matchup vs Lions

Evaluating Greg Newsome’s trade fit for the Vikings

The second player Wolfson named was Cleveland cornerback Greg Newsome II. The 24-year-old former first-round pick is in a similar contract situation as Horn, in that he’s under contract for this season and the next. Since the Browns are 1-5, a trade could be possible as they look to avoid a similar start next year.

However, Newsome is nowhere near as proven as Horn. He currently ranks 96th among 102 qualifying cornerbacks. His best season saw him rank 31st, but that came as a rookie. Newsome graded as the 34th-best NFL CB in his second season before slipping to 55th in 2022.

Today the #Browns officially picked up CB Greg Newsome’s 5th year option (13.377M in 2025)

In 41 games he's only allowed over 50yds in a game 9 times and surrendered 6 TDs

The nuisance in coverage is locked in for another season #Dawgpound
pic.twitter.com/jYV4beHkNd

— Mac🦬 (@tha_buffalo) April 30, 2024

The Browns haven’t reached a contract extension with their young corner, and Adofo-Mensah’s ties to Cleveland’s front office could help the two teams reach a trade agreement. Trading for Newsome definitely wouldn’t cost the Vikings their first-round pick, which could make him a more attractive potential solution.

Related: 4 Stats to Know for Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings Matchup, Analyzing Impact

Evaluating Jeffery Simmons’ trade fit for the Vikings

This is the big kahuna. Simmons is a player that could lead the Vikings to part with a future first-round pick. The two-time second-team All-Pro is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. But he just signed a four-year, $94 million extension last year. Of course, his contract security also makes him an attractive trade option with him under contract through 2027.

The Titans may have had no plans to trade their two-time Pro Bowl DT when the season started, but they’re 1-4, and Will Levis isn’t doing a good impression of a franchise quarterback. Tennessee’s struggles likely put them on track to seek a new franchise QB in the 2025 NFL Draft, and having some extra capital to move up the board could be enticing.

Simmons is a 27-year-old game-wrecker who averaged 7.1 sacks per season from 2021-23, and he also routinely grades as one of the best interior run-stuffers in the NFL. He enters Week 7 as the seventh-highest-graded run defender among interior linemen. As much as we love Horrible Harry, Harrison Phillips ranks 24th.

Nice two man work inside from the Titans in the low red zone

T’Vondre Sweat (93) spikes inside, and Jeffery Simmons (98) scrapes tight over the top of him, plays through a hold, & makes the stop

pic.twitter.com/tGccPvBobN

— Anthony Cover 1 (@Pro__Ant) October 17, 2024

So, there’s no doubt that Simmons would be a significant upgrade. Plus, the 2025 free agency class for interior defenders isn’t pretty after Alim McNeill and Kenny Clark signed extensions. If the Vikings continue to be on pace to pick late in the first round, parting with a selection in the 20s or even 30s for a proven star wouldn’t be a bad plan at all. But that’s only if Tennessee’s willing to listen.

Related: 6 Minnesota Vikings Trades We’d Love To See After the Bye, Including An All-Pro

However, this year is different than in seasons past, mainly because GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is working with an extremely limited amount of draft compensation. Did you know the Vikings only have three selections in the 2025 NFL Draft?

While more could be on the way via the compensatory pick formula, which takes into account how many valuable players were lost and how many were signed, we won’t know if the Vikings are projected to get more picks until the offseason. For now, the Vikings are projected to pick up an extra third-round pick for losing Kirk Cousins. But that’s not set in stone.

So, knowing that the Vikings are tight on draft capital, let’s look at a few players who could upgrade the roster ahead of the 2024 NFL trade deadline if KAM’s willing to get even more aggressive.

Related: Biggest Minnesota Vikings Winners and Losers Thru Week 5: Who Sticks Out So Far?

Ameer Abdullah – RB/Return specialist

• Minnesota Vikings trade: 2026 6th-round pick for Ameer Abdullah

A familiar face. No, Ameer Abdullah isn’t the savior who would help take a good Vikings team and make them into a great one. However, he has a versatile skill set that could come in handy if Aaron Jones’ injury lingers.

He’s a capable runner, pass-catcher, and kick returner. Right now, the Vikings could use help in all three areas out of the backfield and on special teams. Ty Chandler is still the top backup running back, but he’s been inconsistent thus far, averaging 3.9 yards per touch. Abdullah is averaging 4.7 yards per touch.

.@Ameerguapo finds a big gap!

📺: #LVvsDEN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/IaKYOUQWIu

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

Plus, he averages 27.6 yards per kick return, which looks pretty good compared to Myles Gaskin, who averages 20 yards per return. Since he’s on a very affordable contract ($1.2M salary) and is in the final year of his deal for a Raiders team with three other running backs, Abdullah could likely be had for a very low price.

Related: 6 Biggest Questions Facing the Minnesota Vikings During Their Bye Week

Breece Hall – Star RB

• Minnesota Vikings trade: 2026 3rd-round pick, 2025 5th-round pick

Would the New York Jets trade Breece Hall? Probably not, but no one really thought Robert Saleh would get fired in Week 6 either. Hall was selected 36th overall in 2022, and he had a strong rookie season, averaging 6.9 yards per touch. But he tore his ACL and meniscus in Week 7 and missed the rest of the year.

Last season, Hall racked up 1,585 yards from scrimmage (994 rushing, 591 receiving), but his yards per touch dipped to 5.3. This year, Hall’s taken another step back in a Jets offense that can’t find its footing. He’s currently averaging a paltry career-low 3.0 yards per rush and 4.0 per touch when factoring in receptions.

• Breece Hall stats: 197 rushing yards, 2 TD, 148 receiving yards, 1 TD catch

The Jets drafted 20-year-old Braelon Allen in the fourth round and Isaiah Davis in the fifth. Allen’s already biting into Hall’s workload, receiving seven touches compared to 14 from the Jets’ starter in last Sunday’s loss. If the Jets’ season continues to tailspin out of control, it wouldn’t be ridiculous if Hall, who’s a free agent after the 2025 season, got traded for a bounty that’s too good to refuse.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Believers are Raking in the Money

DeeJay Dallas or Devin Duvernay – Return specialists

• Minnesota Vikings trade: 2026 6th-round pick for either DeeJay Dallas or Devin Duvernay

Who? Yeah, we get it. No one pays attention to special teams, especially since roughly two-thirds of each kickoff results in a touchback. When the Vikings play at home, that number goes up, thanks to the climate-controlled atmosphere at U.S. Bank Stadium, which helps kicks sail much further.

Yet, there are still times when players are forced to handle a kick or punt return, and the Vikings aren’t very good in this area right now. When Brandon Powell got roughed up, we saw Jalen Nailor come in and muff a punt against Green Bay, where the sunlight may have been a factor.

Related: NFL Insider Floats Minnesota Vikings as Possible Landing Spot for 5x Pro Bowl WR

But even on the rare occasions when Powell and/or Myles Gaskin decide to return a kick or punt, the Vikings aren’t gaining many yards. Sure, part of the blame belongs to Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels too, but that doesn’t mean the roster couldn’t be upgraded.

DeeJay Dallas and Devin Duvernay are only on their respective teams’ rosters for their special teams skills. They’re the Brandon Powell of the Cardinals and Jaguars. Yet, Dallas is the only player with a kick return touchdown this season, and he has the best yards per return average in the NFL at 34.5, compared to Gaskin at 20.0.

THE FIRST DYNAMIC KICKOFF RETURN TOUCHDOWN.

DEEJAY DALLAS. 96 YARDS.

📺: #AZvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/COYfonnYxR

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

As for Duvernay, he’s a two-time Pro Bowler (and one-time All-Pro) thanks to his special teams skills, and he currently has the fourth-best punt return average in the NFL at 11.6. Powell is at 5.1 yards per return. It may not seem like much, but that could be the difference between getting in range for a game-winning field goal or beginning the drive in bad field position.

Related: Former Vikings Top Pick is Changing His Position for New Team

Daniel Brunskill – Versatile OL

• Minnesota Vikings trade: 2026 7th-round pick for Daniel Brunskill

We don’t expect you to know who Daniel Brunskill is, so let’s share what we’ve learned. He’s a 30-year-old offensive lineman who’s played all five spots on the line in the NFL. He’s currently stuck as a backup on a one-win Titans team with an expiring contract. He has no future in Tennessee and likely would welcome a chance to play for a contender.

The way that Daniel Brunskill is able to consistently elevate his game against the greatest defensive player of this generation is one of the most fascinating things I’ve ever seen in professional sports pic.twitter.com/AFKG3anMlF

— Jordan Elliott (@splash_cousin) November 4, 2022

Brunskill has 79 games of experience, 56 of them as a starter, and he could even compete to start at right guard with Ed Ingram and Dalton Risner. At the very least, he’d be a top reserve capable of playing multiple positions in a pinch. He’s traditionally been better in pass protection than as a run blocker, and the Vikings could probably use some help in that area to ensure Sam Darnold stays as healthy as possible.

Related: Vikings Guard Ed Ingram was Hard to Watch vs Jets

Jeffery Simmons – All-Pro DT

• Minnesota Vikings trade: 2025 first-round pick for Jeffery Simmons and a 2025 fourth-round pick

We have an even bigger dream target scenario coming next, but this one may be a bit more realistic. The Titans aren’t going anywhere this season, they’re probably ending up with a top-ten pick, which could be used to find their next franchise quarterback. But they’d probably appreciate a chance to add two blue-chip prospects in the first round.

Would they be willing to part with arguably their best player to do so? That’s the question. Yet, the Titans may already be preparing for Simmons’ exit. They selected T’Vondre Sweat with the 38th overall pick, and he enters Week 6 as the sixth-highest-graded interior defender per PFF.

Meanwhile, Simmons is a 27-year-old, two-time second-team All-Pro. He hasn’t played in a playoff game since 2021 and may not fit Tennessee’s current competitive timeline. This could present them a chance to capitalize on his trade value now, helping them rebuild even quicker. However, he did just sign a four-year, $94 million contract last offseason and has a $16.5M salary this year.

#Titans DT Jeffery Simmons (No. 98) is quickly emerging as one of the most dynamic DL in the NFL. Was dominant on Sunday vs Minnesota, owning the LOS, rushing the QB & defending the run. He's a complete player. Some of my favorite reps from studying Sunday's tape:#TitanUp pic.twitter.com/a3Fhfyj2Uh

— Joe Marino (@TheJoeMarino) October 1, 2020

Still, he averages just over six sacks per season across the past four years, and he’s traditionally good at stopping the run, too. This year, he ranks 11th among all DTs who have played 20% or more snaps with a 10.5% run-stop rate. For a reference point, Harrison Phillips, as much as we love him, has a run-stop rate of 3.0%. Yet, Simmons also entered Week 4 with the NFL’s second-highest tackle-for-loss rate at 6.67%.

In other words, Simmons could help the Vikings stuff the run or chase after quarterbacks, and he’s stuck on a non-competitive team with an expensive contract. This could mean he’s available for the right price. Odds are, the Vikings won’t find a better player in next year’s draft if they’re selecting later than the 20th pick anyway.

Related: NFL Insider Still Needs to See More From Minnesota Vikings

Dexter Lawrence – Even better All-Pro DT

• Minnesota Vikings trade: 2025 1st + 2026 2nd-round pick for Dexter Lawrence

The Vikings’ defense has taken a leap this year in Brian Flores’ second season as the play-caller. From a roster-building perspective, this team is still seeking a game-wrecking player in the trenches. There’s no one better at disrupting plays in the backfield than the New York Giants’ 6-foot-4, 340-pound behemoth named Dexter Lawrence.

He’s a two-time second-team All-Pro defensive tackle with a history of ruining the Vikings’ day. Many still remember when “Sexy Dexy” racked up 14 pressures across two games at the end of the 2022 season.

Dexter Lawrence: Expert in pass-rushing, pilates and trash talk 😂 (via @NFLFilms, @insidetheNFL)

@llawrencesexy | @Giants pic.twitter.com/blEKZSDiRE

— NFL (@NFL) January 18, 2023

He may not have gotten a sack, but you can bet Lawrence was a thorn in Kirk Cousins’ side. Yet, he’s already up to six sacks this season, ranking second in the entire NFL.

Wake up babe, Dexter Lawrence dominated again pic.twitter.com/NaqE8dPpZD

— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) October 7, 2024

Lawrence is an excellent run-stuffer, but he’s arguably even better at creating interior pressure. It really doesn’t matter if he gets home for the sack or not, he’s still getting in the quarterback’s face and creating havoc. Just imagine how much more of an impact the Vikings’ edge rushers could have if Lawrence was frequently eating up two blockers along the interior.

It’s a total pipe dream. The Giants probably aren’t trading their best player, and Lawrence definitely doesn’t want to leave the Big Apple, he even has a tattoo of the Giants logo permanently etched onto his body. This guy’s probably a lifer, but that won’t prevent us from drooling about building the ultimate defense anyway.

Related: Where Do Minnesota Vikings Rank in Latest NFL Power Rankings?