If we believe what the Vikings are selling us, then gone (supposedly) are the days where we watch Ed Ingram, Dalton Risner and Blake Brandel fail to open holes for Vikings running backs and get bowled over by more talented defensive tackles.

So too, according to head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, are weekends where defensive coordinator Brian Flores has to constantly scheme up unimaginable blitz packages and hide box numbers every week, in order to get pressure on the QB and slow opposing running backs.

But, it appears we will have to wait until the free agency negotiating period begins on March 10, before we learn who the Minnesota Vikings will upgrade with. The same cannot be said for the Chicago Bears, though, who also entered the offseason with major issues on their interior offensive line. Not anymore.

Chicago Bears trade for two top offensive guards – Minnesota Vikings choose patience

They were not willing to wait until bidding wars get started next week. Instead, the Bears have completed trades for two guards — Jonah Jackson (Rams) Joe Thuney (Chiefs). Jackson was given permission to seek a trade out of LA last week, and did just that. The Thuney trade is a bit more surprising, but he too is entering the final year of his current deal.

In 24 hours, the Bears now have agreed to trade a 2025 sixth-round pick to the Rams for Jonah Jackson and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Chiefs for Joe Thuney.

Bears are sparing no expense to protect Caleb Williams. pic.twitter.com/IW1OLfdfVJ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2025

Bears trade 4th round pick for Joe Thuney

Joe Thuney is 32 years old. He is a former 3rd round pick of the New England Patriots back in 2016. Since being drafted, he has been one of the best and most reliable guards in the NFL for two different teams. Since his sophomore season, Thuney has never posted a PFF grade lower than 74.4.

Related: New Perfect Fit Trade Targets Come Available for Vikings

Last season, he got an 80.0 overall grade, his second best ever. Thuney has a massive $26.9 million cap hit this season, the final year of his current five-year $80 million contract, but it’s very possible he and the Bears work out an extension before the offseason is over.

Bears trade 6th round pick for Jonah Jackson

Jonah Jackson, 28, is a former third round pick by the Detroit Lions, so he has familiarity in the NFC North. In 2024, after signing a three-year, $51 million contact with the Rams last offseason, he ended up playing just four games because he was usurped on the roster by second-year guard out of TCU, Steve Avila.

Jackson has a $14.6 million cap hit in 2025. The Bears are banking on Jackson’s falling out with the Rams as more of a credit to Avila, than a detriment on Jackson, but that has yet to be proven. In week 18 last season vs the Seahawks, Jonah Jackson was on a mission to prove he’s a starter, posting a 91.8 PFF grade, which may have helped convince the Bears to deal for him.

We’ll find out who did the right thing, in time. But the Minnesota Vikings don’t have much of a choice, other than patience. They do not have much for draft capital to trade away, even if they wanted to pull a move like what the Bears did. There’s no doubting whose O-line currently looks better, though.

The Vikings’ quarterback dilemma has easily generated the most discussion early on this offseason, but multiple other positions need to be fixed before this team can even think about getting ready for the 2025 season. Luckily, they have some money to spend, over $60 million to be exact.

While the Vikings are expected to be active in free agency, which starts on March 12, they’re also looking to acquire talent via trade, when the opportunity presents itself. Fortunately for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, options on that front continue to expand by the day.

DT Davon Godchaux (Patriots) available via trade for Minnesota Vikings

Earlier this week the Washington Commanders permitted defensive tackle Jonathan Allen an opportunity to find a new home. Minnesota is a place he reportedly would be interested in playing. We don’t yet know if that’s true of New England’s Davon Godchaux, but he could certainly help the MN Vikings.

The #Patriots have given DT Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade, sources say.

There has been contact with interested teams, and the veteran is likely on the move given the team’s defensive scheme shift. pic.twitter.com/yMLiwkTWhQ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 26, 2025

At 6’3″ Godchaux checks in weighing 330 pounds. Minnesota has a serious deficiency up the middle on the defensive line, and he could pair nicely with Harrison Phillips. Godchaux isn’t the sack threat of Jonathan Allen, but he is more than a capable run stuffer.

The former fifth round pick has split his eight-year career evenly with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. In both 2019 and 2020 he operated with current Vikings defensive coordinator as his head coach while lining up as the nose tackle.

Related: Newly Available DT Interested in Playing for Vikings…

Godchaux has started 109 of the 120 games he has played during his career. He has 429 total tackles and record 67 last season. He has just 5.5 sacks but has 20 tackles for loss and another 26 quarterback hits. His run defense has been the calling card and he has shown exceptional tackling ability.

Davon Godchaux is a high quality nose tackle who deserves more respect pic.twitter.com/Shm7DFKt4t

— mike (@bengals_sans) July 26, 2023

2025 is the final year of Godchaux’s two-year contract with New England. He is set to make $4 million in base salary and carries a manageable $8.33 million cap hit. Given the infrastructure that Minnesota has built, and the familiarity with Flores, it makes sense that the sides may have been in contact.

G Jonah Jackson (Rams) available via trade for Vikings

It’s not just Matthew Stafford that the Los Angeles Rams are allowing to discuss a future with other teams. Guard Jonah Jackson is being given the same consideration. Kevin O’Connell could look to bring the former Detroit Lion back to the division.

The #Rams have given guard Jonah Williams permission to seek a trade, per sources.

Former Pro Bowler in Detroit signed big free agent deal with L.A. last year but played four games due to injury and benching. Due $8.5M guarantee March 12. pic.twitter.com/tFem60xWJV

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 26, 2025

Back in 2021 Jackson made his first Pro Bowl with the Lions while starting 16 games for the second consecutive season. He started 13 in 2022 and just 12 in 2023 before falling off last year. Jackson played in just four games for the Rams after signing a three-year, $51 million contact.

In 2025 Jackson is set to make a $9 million base salary with a $14.6 million cap hit. He could also be cut following the 2025 season and his team would incur just a $5.6 dead cap hit.

After falling out of favor with the Rams, it’s logical that Jackson would like a fresh start elsewhere. A former third round pick by the Detroit Lions, Jackson obviously has familiarity with the NFC North. He could immediately slide in as a replacement for either Blake Brandel or Dalton Risner as the Vikings seek to beef up their offensive line.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Finish Near Top of NFLPA Survey Yet Again

Given Jackson’s contract figure, and lack of performance last season, it stands to reason that the acquisition cost for his services may be slightly muted.

Minnesota will try to address plenty of their deficiencies as free agency and the league year kick off. That will present the front office with a more clear direction in regards to how they attack April’s NFL Draft.