The Minnesota Vikings appeared to be dead in the water after an 0-3 start, but they have since won three of their last four games to get to 3-4 and insert themselves right into the thick of the NFC playoff picture.
Everyone thought the Vikings would be surefire sellers a few weeks ago, but their recent stretch of impressive play—including a Week 7 win over the San Francisco 49ers—has certainly changed things for the club heading into the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline.
Minnesota appears to be a contender again, at least in terms of a playoff spot.
Here are three targets the Vikings should pursue.
Chase Young, Washington Commanders
Minnesota has been able to log a solid 19 sacks thus far this season, but nine of those have come courtesy of Danielle Hunter. Outside of him, the Vikings’ pass rush is relatively thin, especially with Marcus Davenport on the injured reserve list.
Enter Chase Young, whom the Commanders seem to be interested in moving.
Washington declined Young’s fifth-year option, meaning he will be a free agent at the end of this season. As a result, the Commanders—who have lost three of four after a 2-0 start—may be looking to trade him now in order to recoup some value for him before he walks for nothing in the spring.
After a couple of rough, injury-plagued years in 2021 and 2022, Young has bounced back nicely this season, posting five sacks in six games.
If the Vikings are able to swing a deal for Young, they would suddenly boast one of the most impressive pass-rushing tandems in football between Young and Hunter.
Adoree’ Jackson, New York Giants
The Vikings could stand to upgrade the cornerback position, and Adoree’ Jackson could represent a potential solution for them.
Jackson is in his third season with the Giants and has been a decent contributor for them, but his contract expires at the end of the year. With New York sitting at just 2-5, it could very well decide to move Jackson now in order to pick up a draft asset to use in the offseason.
While Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson may be the best one available, the Bears seem hesitant to trade him to begin with; let alone to an NFC North division rival.
For that reason, Jackson may end up being the top guy left for Minnesota if it does intend to improve its status at cornerback before the deadline.
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos
The Vikings suddenly find themselves in need of a wide receiver after Justin Jefferson was placed on the injured reserve list due to a hamstring issue.
Jefferson will be back later in the season, but in the meantime, Minnesota is going to need some reinforcements to soften the blow.
Jerry Jeudy would represent a solid pickup for the Vikings, as he is under contract through next season and would be a nice target for Kirk Cousins.
The Broncos have been shopping Jeudy and seem to be waiting for the right deal, and Minnesota may be desperate enough to offer it to them.
Adding Jeudy would give the Vikings a receiving quartet of Jefferson, Jeudy, Jordan Addison and K.J. Osborn. Talk about depth.
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