If the Vikings are going to hang onto any playoff hopes, they’ll need to pull an upset at Ford Field. That’s a tall task for J.J. McCarthy to step back into, and one he probably shouldn’t be asked to shoulder the load for.

More likely Minnesota could find themselves as sellers ahead of next week’s trade deadline. Looking to stockpile a few extra picks, they have some talent that can be parted out.

Aaron Jones may earn the MN Vikings a draft pick

Last season Aaron Jones joined the Minnesota Vikings after spending the first seven years of his career in Green Bay. Now re-upped for a second season in Minnesota, his one year deal presents an opportunity to recoup some value. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell sees the veteran running back as a logical trade chip.

Moving on from Jones might be more about saving money than anything else. He is owed just over $1 million in 2025 and has $2 million of his $10 million compensation in 2026 guaranteed, a deal the Vikings are likely to move on from this offseason. Would a team like the Chargers be willing to essentially pay $3 million to have Jones in its lineup for the rest of 2025?

ESPN

The Vikings have not leaned much on the run this season, and Jones has already missed some time. He is back healthy but has just 61 yards on 18 carries. That’s not going to generate a significant amount of interest even if a team is looking at his career-high 1,138 yards from last season.

Jones is certainly expendable for Minnesota though. They brought in Jordan Mason over the offseason and he has been as advertised. Moving Jones would remove the tandem aspect of the backfield, but if the Vikings aren’t going to compete, that carries less weight.

There are a few running back-needy teams that may just want a veteran for the stretch run. Jones doesn’t have to be the bellcow anymore, and he could be given an opportunity to go get a ring.

Moving on from Ivan Pace Jr.

After blowing up as an undrafted free agent, things have come crashing down for Ivan Pace Jr. this year. The Minnesota Vikings linebacker was benched when Blake Cashman returned, and he lost his job to journeyman veteran Eric Wilson.

It’s unlikely that Pace generates much of a return after falling out of favor in Minnesota. It is possible though, that another team thinks they can turn his slide around.

Pace, who has fallen out of the starting lineup and played just 17 defensive snaps over the past two weeks, is a restricted free agent after the season.

ESPN

If Minnesota isn’t going to start Pace, and he’s not viewed as a key depth piece this offseason, then there isn’t a great reason to keep him around. The Vikings should be looking for draft compensation and pull the trigger on the first good return they can find.

It remains to be seen how this all shakes out. The NFL trade deadline is set for November 4th at 3pm central time.

Minnesota Vikings rivals wheeling and dealing this morning

If Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah suffers from FOMO, then he is feeling very left out this morning, after two NFC North rivals made splash trades early on Tuesday. First, the Detroit Lions traded a 5th round pick and a 6th round pick to the Cleveland Browns, for familiar EDGE rusher Za’Darius Smith and a 7th round pick.

Sources: The #Browns are trading standout edge Za'Darius Smith to the #Lions, who add a key presence on the edge to help make up for the loss of Aidan Hutchinson.

It’s Smith and a 2026 7th going to Detroit for a 2025 5th and a 2026 6th. A major move. pic.twitter.com/gtCs86rL97

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2024

Smith returns to the NFC North, after previous stints with both the Vikings and Green Bay Packers. In Cleveland, Za’Darius compiled 10.5 sacks in 25 games (5 this season), after recording 10 sacks in 16 games wearing purple and gold for one magical 2022 season.

The former Raven, Packer, Viking and now Brown has had a good, not great season. His 73.6 PFF grade is his lowest since 2018 (outside of 2021 when he was injured and only played 18 total snaps). His 39.3 tackle grade is by far the worst of his 10 year NFL career and his 71.1 pass rush grade is his worst since 2017.

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

But now he plays for the Detroit Lions, which will motivate Za’Darius Smith to play better. So I expect him to be a monster on the back half of 2024. No doubt, the division leading Lions got better this morning.

Chicago Bears sell off Khalil Herbert at NFL Trade Deadline

While the Detroit Lions got better this morning, the Chicago Bears might be going into sell mode, after falling to 4-4 over the weekend. The first sign of how the day could go came when they dealt once-promising running back Khalil Herbert to the Cincinnati Bengals for pennies on the dollar (7th round pick).

Source: The #Bears get a seventh-rounder in exchange for sending RB Khalil Herbert to the #Bengals.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) November 5, 2024

Herbert was drafted in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft and, at one point, was supposed to be the backfield future for the Bears. Last year, in a split backfield with D’Onta Foreman, Herbert ran for 611 yards on 132 carries (4.6 YPC) and 2 touchdowns.

This season, with DeAndre Swift now on roster and taking nearly all rushing attempts in Chicago, Herbert has seen just 8 carries, which he has taken for 16 yards and a touchdown. According to PFF, the 26-year-old out of Virginia Tech has been on the field for just 27 total offensive snaps all season.

Related: 5 Minnesota Vikings Trade Targets Worth Trading a First-Round Pick For

Now, Herbert heads to Cincinnati and the Bears are heading for the bottom of the NFC North. Now, will the Minnesota Vikings counterpunch what the Detroit Lions did, in adding Za’Darius Smith? Or, are Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores happy with the personnel they have for the stretch run? We’ll find out the answers to all those questions over the next six hours before the NFL trade deadline hits at 3 p.m. CST.

We’ve already seen the Vikings make one in-season trade, a deja-vu style move that landed RB Cam Akers back on the team, a deal that was almost identical to the trade they made last year, around the same time, for the same player.

Minnesota Vikings want another week to decide NFL trade deadline fate

Apparently, they’ll be idle this week too. While other NFL teams are moving and grooving, making early trade deadline moves, Kwesi & Co are expected to stand pat. Beat writer Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) writes that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores want another week to evaluate their own team, before the NFL Trade Deadline, on Tuesday (Nov 5).

The NFL’s decision to move its trade deadline back by one week means the Vikings will play once more, at home next Sunday night against the Colts, before deciding how aggressive they want to be in pursuit of upgrades for their 2024 roster.

Ben Goessling – Star Tribune

Obviously, if someone comes to the Vikings with a trade offer so good they can’t pass it up, then they’ll probably make it happen. But what Ben Goessling’s report tells me is that Kevin O’Connell & Co plan to go one more week with the same core group of starters, specifically on the offensive line, following the Darrisaw injury.

Maybe decision makers want to see new offensive line for a week?

The most likely replacement at left tackle, according to beat reporter Matthew Coller (PurpleInsider.com), is left guard, Blake Brandel, who has played quite a bit of tackle during his 3.5 year NFL career. Read the entire article for a deep dive into the domino effect that would take place if Brandel slides over one spot to his left.

Related: Uh Oh… Vikings WR Jordan Addison Appears Unhappy

But in summary, Dalton Risner would slot in at the position he prefers on the offensive line, which is left guard (over right guard). And everything else stays the same. No shuffling, or moving around. Is it the ideal situation? No, but it’s the same front four at LG, C, RG and RT, as what the Minnesota Vikings deployed in 2023.

Can an offensive line of (from left to right), Brandel, Risner, Bradbury, Ingram and O’Neill protect Sam Darnold well enough for him to be effective? Can that offensive line open holes for Aaron Jones and the rest of the running backs who never see the field? Those questions are yet to be answered.

Related: 5 Christian Darrisaw Injury Replacements for the Minnesota Vikings

If Goessling’s report is true, I’d have to imagine the Vikings coaching staff and front office want to see one week of their new o-line, before they decide whether or not it is worth “fixing”. But no matter what they do, it doesn’t sound like Kwesi & Co are in any hurry to make it happen.

Vikings in no hurry, with trade deadline more than one week away

Darrisaw’s injury hurt even more, because the Vikings roster already had too many holes to fill, even before arguably the best player on their roster went down for the season. That’s why, if they do make a big splash, it’ll probably be for a player who helps them beyond 2024.

They’ll have to operate with pragmatism, with so many areas they could address and just three draft picks currently in their 2025 stash. But even if the Vikings were to make a big move before the deadline, history suggests they might do so with an eye beyond this year, anyway.

Ben Goessling – Star Tribune

Now, heading into the final full week before the November 5 NFL trade deadline, the Minnesota Vikings need CB help, iDL help, interior OL help and now exterior OL help. That’s a lot of needs for a team that doesn’t have any draft picks to trade away.

A loss would send Vikings fans into panic mode, and national pundits into “Minnesota pretender” mode, faster than ice is made in mid-January. Meanwhile, hanging over tonight’s game is the NFL Trade Deadline, which is less than two weeks away (November 5)

The Minnesota Vikings are going to be buyers. They have made that very clear to just about any NFL insider that has checked in on their deadline plans. Darren Wolfson (SKOR North) went as far to say he expects a “splash” move, even.

Two Minnesota Vikings trade targets that one team insider is watching

But who exactly do the Vikings have their eyes on? According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), Kwesi & Co are shopping hard for defensive tackles, cornerbacks and offensive guards. Lewis brought names to the table, too… three for each position listed. I’m not going to dive into all nine of his Vikings trade targets, but it’s a great read, if you want to.

There were a couple of names on Lewis’ that standout to him, over the others’ at their position group. Two players he thinks seem more likely to land in MN than the other seven names listed.

He did not give a leg up to any of the three CBs he names as possible targets (Jonathan Jones, Greg Newsome II or Marshon Lattimore). Cost and role will be the question, at that position. But at both DT and G, Alec has two targets who make sense above the others.

Calais Campbell – Dolphins – 38 y/o

Maybe the most enticing name here is Campbell, the ageless wonder who at 38 has a higher pressure rate than even Dexter Lawrence II. Adding the former All-Pro to a defense already full of them (Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore) would generate a different level of fear in offenses. Because he is only under a one-year contract, the Vikings might not have to part with a premium pick, either.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

A deeper look into Calais Campbell tells us why Lewis loves the fit and why he is probably hearing rumblings behind the scenes, that the Minnesota Vikings have interest. He is way older (and way cheaper) than what the other two options are (no, none of them are Dexter Lawrence).

Not only that, but you saw the hint above, at Campbell’s productivity this season. I mean, this dude has an 84.8 PFF grade (194 snaps), which is good for 5th among all NFL defensive linemen. He is also top 10 in PFF pass rush grade (78.4) and run defense grade (75.3).

Calais Campbell. 38 years old and still good pic.twitter.com/TbPVxbiKZU

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) October 24, 2024

Nobody on the Vikings interior grades higher than a 63.9, and Taki Taimani isn’t even a starter. Without a doubt, Calais Campbell would be the perfect addition to the interior d-line. The former Miami Hurricane has 14 tackles, 2 sacks, 11 hurries and 16 total pressures, on the season.

Because he is 38, he won’t cost much, either. The Miami Dolphins are 2-4. They are expected to get Tua Tagovailoa back this week, which could change things dramatically for the Dolphins’ chances at a playoff comeback.

But if that doesn’t materialize, it makes a lot of sense to unload a 38-year-old Calais Campbell, who’s on an expiring contract. And without a doubt, the Vikings might make more sense than any other team in the league.

Brady Christensen – Panthers – 28 y/o

The most intriguing of these options might be Christensen, who is eligible to be a free agent after this season. He is versatile, having played both tackle, guard and center. In previous seasons, he has also proven to be effective both in pass protection and as a run blocker.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

I love this one. The Carolina Panthers are really bad, which is why we’ve already seen rumors linking current Panther (former Viking) WR Adam Thielen, to his hometown team. But Brady Christensen would solve just about every problem the Minnesota Vikings currently have on their offensive line, both now and in the future.

The 2021 3rd round pick currently grades out at 80.5 in run block and 68.1 in pass block, both far superior to Ed Ingram. His overall 79.6 PFF grade is 5th among all centers in the NFL. But Christensen can play more than just center, he can also play guard, which is probably where he makes the most sense in Minnesota.

LT Ikem Ekwonu climbs to the 2nd level, looks for work. LG Brady Christensen v Vea. Nice work by the entire 5 here. 33 Foreman is off to the races.

pic.twitter.com/Xp0phsl8hf

— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) February 24, 2023

The Vikings do not have a weak offensive line. They have one of the best tackle combos in the NFL, with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, and seem to have found their long-term answer at left guard, in Blake Brandel. Garrett Bradbury is.. ok, but certainly not terrible (most of the time).

Related: Minnesota Vikings Downgrade TJ Hockenson and Dalton Risner

The problem has been at right guard. The starter at right guard, for most of the last two seasons, has been 2022 2nd round draft pick out of LSU, Ed Ingram, who at 35.8, might hold the worst pass block grade at PFF for a starting offensive lineman… ever (unconfirmed).

Meanwhile, Dalton Risner was supposed to challenge Ingram in training camp. Unfortunately, he has been out all season with an injury that he claims he is healed from. Thursday, however, he was once again not activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list.

And even if Risner had been able to play, he is just as bad in run block as Ingram is in pass protection. Neither player can do both at even an average level. Enter Brady Christensen, who can pass and run block better than both guys. He’s like a two-player upgrade, in one.

Just four days after falling down for the first time this season, on Thursday Night Football in prime time, the Vikings will have to get up off the mat against Kevin O’Connell’s best friend. All while supposedly having trade conversations with one another surrounding QB, Matt Stafford.

Minnesota Vikings looking for WR help… like Adam Thielen?

While the Stafford reports were refuted on Wednesday, more are sure to prop up. Some will be significant, others not so much. There have been reports that the Vikings are interested in guards, cornerbacks and defensive tackles, on the trade block.

But another position that makes sense is wide receiver. Enter Minnesota State Mankato’s own Adam Thielen, who played nine legendary seasons in purple. Now, the 34-year-old homegrown legend out of Detroit Lakes is stuck in a brutal situation with the Carolina Panthers… and is very much expected to be available at the deadline.

Well, over at The Athletic, Dianna Russini and Jacob Robinson think Thielen coming home at the NFL Trade Deadline makes too much sense to ignore. Sure, the Panthers would be doing the Vikings and Thielen a favor. But how big of a favor would taking a 6th round pick back really be? Here is The Athletic’s Thielen + Minnesota speculation. I’ll talk more about possible trade cost below.

Trade Proposals: Eight more WR moves that should happen

Vikings add Adam Thielen, sending the Panthers a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick. The 34-year-old — who is expected to practice this week — would return to his native Minnesota and to a franchise he didn’t intend to leave. Back in purple and gold, he can man the slot position for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. But this feels like the Panthers doing the Vikings (and my fantasy team) a favor.

Dianna Russini and Jacob Robinson – The Athletic

Why Adam Thielen back to the Vikings makes sense

We know the Minnesota Vikings have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But behind them, the NFL talent falls off. Jalen Nailor has been better, and more importantly, he as been healthy.

Kevin O’Connell and Sam Darnold, however, could use a good veteran receiver who can play in the slot, and open up more of the short to intermediate game for the offense. That’s where Adam Thielen would fit in perfectly, providing a voice in the offensive huddle that has seen it all and can help mentor Addison, Nailor and Jefferson, who’s still just 25-years-old.

ANDY DALTON TO ADAM THIELEN. UNREAL 🔥

3RD TD THIS HALF

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/mVsSs0qfzZ

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 22, 2024

In 101 starts at WR for the Vikings, Thielen racked up 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns, on 12.5 yards per reception. Adam was impressive in his first season as a Panther, too, grabbing 103 receptions (137 targets), for 1014 yards and 4 touchdowns. That success has not transferred to 2024. In just three games, Theilen has 109 yards and one TD.

How much will Thielen cost at trade deadline?

Thielen isn’t on an expiring contract, but it might be better. Adam has one year remaining on his deal, after this season, at just $4 million. So not free, but about as cheap as you can get for a productive veteran wideout.

As far as what it will cost to get Thielen from the Panthers, there are multiple factors in play. First, it’s important to note that the mid-30s wide receiver has missed Carolina’s last four games, nursing a hamstring injury. It was reported this week that he is nearing a return, but let’s be real.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out vs the LA Rams

Combine Adam’s injury recovery with the fact that he is an old receiver playing on a bad team… well, those guys don’t usually hold a lot of value on the trade market, especially at the deadline. In other words, if the Minnesota Vikings want Adam Thielen, they should easily be able to get him.

According to some reports out of non-traditional media outlets across the internet today, Minnesota and Los Angeles are also in serious talks about a possible trade involving Matthew Stafford. This is something that was floated by Mike Florio about two weeks ago, but there may be more validity than you’d normally expect.

Minnesota Vikings trying to trade for Matthew Stafford?

First off, there have been two non-traditional outlets who have now reported the same thing. One of them (Jack Settleman – Snapback Sports) has over 50,000 followers on Twitter, the other (Jake Ellenbogen – Downtown Rams) is over 25,000.

What does that mean? Nothing, really. We’ll find out in due time if these rumors are legitimized by guys like Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero or local Vikings insiders.

SOURCES: The Vikings and Rams are in serious trade talks for Matthew Stafford.

Minnesota made a push to trade for Stafford this offseason but are now revisiting with the idea that he can be the piece to help them win a Super Bowl this season. pic.twitter.com/K9fHC0QPg7

— JACK SETTLEMAN (@jacksettleman) October 22, 2024

I can actually say that I've heard the #Rams do have interest in Sam Darnold as an option to succeed Matthew Stafford. That is something I've been told. We'll see what happens. My feeling is the Rams have to look AWFUL on Thursday and then lose to the Seahawks for this to happen https://t.co/fgrlMjDHK2

— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) October 22, 2024

But there was one report earlier on Tuesday that suddenly make these Matthew Stafford rumors, at least eyebrow raising. This morning, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson reported on SKOR North with Mackey & Judd that, at some point before the November 5 trade deadline, he expects the Minnesota Vikings to pull off some sort of blockbuster.

Vikings expected to make big splash at NFL trade deadline

Is that blockbuster a trade for Matthew Stafford…? If you listen to Doogie’s report, he believes the trade will bring in a defensive player. But still, the timing of both reports certainly has my antennas up.

Judd: “November 5th, how big do you think the splash could be?”

Doogie: “I think it could be pretty big. Yeah, I do Judd.”

Mackey & Judd – SKOR North

Related: Los Angeles Rams Injury Tracker – Week 8

It would still be a huge shock if the Minnesota Vikings swing a deal for someone like Matt Stafford. And it would be pretty much impossible for a deal between the Rams and Vikings to happen before Thursday… since they play each other.

But if Kevin O’Connell (AKA: The QB Killer) has made the decision that Sam Darnold is not good enough to bring the Vikings to a Super Bowl, and he thinks that is all they are missing, it wouldn’t be crazy for them to swing for Stafford. His contract isn’t up until 2027, with a possible out after 2026. But if the Vikings throw in Sam Darnold, which you’d think they would, I can’t imagine it would cost more than a day 2 or 3 pick.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Seriously Considering a Move to Dalton Risner

On the season, Matt Stafford has thrown for 1,392 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. His completion percentage is 66.7%. Those numbers are not as impressive as Sam Darnold’s 1,370 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions (66.5%).

Vikings are giving up on Sam Darnold is wild…the guy is playing at an MVP level right now…

Vikings literally lost to the best team in the NFC and ready to make changes?

No loyalty lol https://t.co/fXSS2kVlfh

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) October 22, 2024

This team may be undefeated, but they are far from flawless. They needs help on the interior of the offensive line, and there are questions surrounding whether or not Ty Chandler is a good enough 2-punch, behind Aaron Jones. They could use more depth on the defensive line and, maybe, another wide receiver?

Minnesota Vikings linked to former 1st round pick

Former Alabama Crimson Tide superstar and 5x Pro Bowl wide receiver, Amari Cooper, currently plays for the Cleveland Browns, who have gotten off to a disastrous 1-4 start. After their most recent loss Sunday, rumors surrounding a possible Cooper trade started flying around hot and heavy.

Amari Cooper ranks 49th among wide receivers with 208 receiving yards in the first 5 weeks but ranks an easy 1st with 653 air yards, 83 more than Rashid Shaheed in 2nd place at the position.

Free Amari.pic.twitter.com/RuUYW3rQms

— Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) October 9, 2024

Then, on Thursday morning, former NFL player turned TV host and NFL insider, Akbar Gbajabiamila (NFL Network) floated Cooper to the Minnesota Vikings. We haven’t heard a lot of trade deadline rumors yet, but with the Vikings being 5-0 and the deadline just three weeks away, this is probably just the start.

It happened while he and the rest of the GMFB crew were talking about possible landing spots for the 30-year-old former 1st round pick. Clearly, he’s getting his info from somewhere. You can hear his coworkers in the background, “what do you got…?”

The #Vikings were listed as a team to be a buyer at this years trade deadline, and a potential landing spot for a former Pro Bowl WR, according to @Akbar_Gbaja:

“How about maybe going out and looking for an Amari Cooper, who is on a struggling #Browns team.”

🎥: @gmfb pic.twitter.com/PgARSgUpT7

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 10, 2024

“How about the Minnesota Vikings?… They have TJ Hockenson coming back. You start thinking, ‘what could they do, they could add some depth’. Think about what the Kansas City Chiefs have done. They continuously add depth. Someone gets hurt, they get someone else in there.

How about going out and maybe looking for an Amari Cooper, who’s on a struggling Browns team. [Kwesi Adofo-Mensah] was in Cleveland already, has familiarity with Amari Cooper. Now, all of a sudden, you have depth at the wide receiver position.

You’ve got Justin Jefferson, Addison, Amari Cooper, TJ Hockenson. Now, all of a sudden, you’ve got guys who can, when home field advantage comes around, they’re making it deep, deep, deep and potentially winning a Super Bowl”

Akbar Gbajabiamila – Good Morning Football (NFL Network)

Does Amari Cooper make sense in Minnesota?

So, there are a few angles to take on this. In a lot of ways, Cooper does make a lot of sense for the Vikings. They could use a veteran third wide receiver for Sam Darnold to rely on. Jalen Nailor came out of the preseason on fire, but can’t seem to find Darnold’s eye, once he drops down to WR3.

Without a doubt, Cooper would be a huge upgrade to an already elite group of weapons for Darnold and the Vikings offense. Through the first five weeks of the season, Amari Cooper has caught 20 passes (on 47 targets) for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns.

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

On his career, Cooper is nearing 10,000 total receiving yards (9,694) on his career. He’s also scored 62 total touchdowns. His 8.6 yards per target, during his 10-year NFL career is solid. But in 2024, that number has dropped all the way to 4.4, which tells part of the story on why Cooper wants out of the dogpound.

Amari Cooper was traded for a 5th-round pick.pic.twitter.com/3uaFkTxu6C

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 1, 2022

Amari Cooper lulling the DB to sleep pic.twitter.com/QKGEplYlMg

— Receiver School (@ReceiverSchool) September 22, 2024

The longtime NFL vet still has plenty of tread on the tires, and he’s an unrestricted free agent next season, which is why the Browns are looking to move him. He has baggage, though, in the form of a $22.6 million dead cap hit next season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Believers are Raking in the Money

Would the Minnesota Vikings want to extend Amari Cooper, if they traded for him prior to the deadline? That would depend on cost. Otherwise, the Browns would have to agree to eat a bunch of that dead cap penalty. Would they do that? Probably depends on how many suitors are competing for Cooper’s services.

Minnesota Vikings trade deadline recap

In the end, they were both. First, they broke the internet a little bit when they traded for 28-year-old QB, Josh Dobbs, to help fill up the void left in the QB room by Kirk Cousins’ injury.

Then, after buying on Dobbs, GM Kwesi-Adofo Mensah dealt away one of the better left guards in the league, Ezra Cleveland, to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2024 6th round pick.

Here are our full breakdowns on each trade:

• Cardinals Trade QB Josh Dobbs to Vikings for Late Round Pick Swap
• Vikings Trade Ezra Cleveland to Jaguars for 6th Round Pick

Vikings add QB security with Josh Dobbs

The first thing the Vikings did on Tuesday, before the trade deadline, was solidify some depth at quarterback, after losing Kirk Cousins to a season-ending Achilles tear.

To do that, they swapped their 6th round pick in April for the Arizona Cardinals 7th round pick, in order to acquire the quarterback who has started all eight games for them this season, Josh Dobbs.

Here are all of new #Vikings QB Josh Dobbs’ scoring plays this year so far. Make no mistake, this guy can play. #SKOL #NFLTradeDeadline pic.twitter.com/0w9zZTd8Ka

— Joshua Anderson (@Josh_Anderson_3) October 31, 2023

Dobbs was available for clearance prices because the Cardinals are expected to activate Kyler Murray off injured reserve and they just drafted a young QB, Clayton Tune, last April. Dobbs isn’t a cinch starter for the Vikings and he’ll sit behind rookie QB, Jaren Hall, this weekend vs the Atlanta Falcons.

But, Dobbs brings a lot of experience in multiple different NFL offensive systems. He went to school to be a rocket scientist, so the Vikings hope he can catch on quickly.

We’ll see if Dobbs ever starts a game for the Vikings, with Hall getting the first crack at starting, post 2023 Kirk Cousins, and Nick Mullins set to come off IR in a couple of weeks. Even if he doesn’t, Kwesi & Co were smart to add valuable depth to a now raw position.

Ezra Cleveland traded for 6th round pick

Trade rumors have been circulating around Ezra Cleveland since this offseason. He’s on the final year of his rookie contract and has never really been expected to stick around this offseason.

Still, trading one of the better offensive guards in the league, when he’s only in his mid-20’s, is risky. That especially holds true when you only get a 6th round pick, in return. Obviously, the Vikings were motivated to deal Cleveland and nothing was going to stop it from happening, even a lackluster haul back.

If the Minnesota Vikings interior offensive line deals with any injury issues through the end of the season, or if Ezra becomes a decade-long rock on someone else’s offensive line, this deal will reflect poorly on Kwesi-Adofo Mensah.

Danielle Hunter stays put

The Danielle Hunter situation seemed to be trending this way, the last couple weeks, after the Vikings put together their current three game win streak. Kwesi wasn’t completely against dealing the NFL’s sack leader today but they needed something better than a 2nd round pick, to get it done, an offer they never received.

Thus, Hunter will remain in Minnesota for the rest of the 2023-24 season, before the Vikings either find a way to ink him long term or he leaves via free agency.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Vikings trade Ezra Cleveland to Jaguars

The #Vikings are trading standout guard Ezra Cleveland to the #Jaguars, per me, @TomPelissero and @MikeGarafolo. One of the better young players at his position, Cleveland moves on to beef up another O-line in exchange for a third-day draft pick. pic.twitter.com/uTItO1ECnE

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2023

I guess this one surprisdes me a little bit. Not the deal, itself, because I wrote over the weekend about how likely it was that Cleveland had played his final game as a Viking. What I’m a bit surprised by is the return Kwesi-Adofo Mensah was able to get for Ezra, who grades out as one of the better offensive guards in all of football.

Hell, we just gave up nearly the same thing for Josh Dobbs, who will hopefully only play QB for the rest of this season and then never step foot on a regular season field with a Vikings jersey on ever again. If Minnesota could have found a trade partner that Cleveland could have signed long term with, then he will be an offensive line staple for the next decade.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

‘Almost no chance’ Vikings trade Danielle Hunter

Related: Danielle Hunter Trade Value: Can Vikings Land 1st Round Pick for the NFL Sack Leader?

That means Danielle Hunter is staying put. Jeremy Fowler (ESPN) was told by a source this morning that there is “almost no chance” the Vikings trade hunter today.

Source: ‘Almost no chance’ #Vikings move Danielle Hunter at deadline pic.twitter.com/4OCkA9VdDw

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 31, 2023

We have only 3.5 hours left before the trade deadline hits and the Minnesota Vikings still have just one QB on roster and he is a 5th round rookie with 3 throws of NFL experience.

Kwesi & Co are more likely to turn to the free agency pool, according to reports, and the rumor mill is quiet as it pertains to those working from TCO Performance Center today. We’ll be here if that changes.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan