Vikings Exploring Various Moves Ahead Of Trade Deadline

Lewis headlined a few position that would make sense for the Vikings, and was clear asking price and cap implications will determine the extent of potential moves.

He feels tight end is a position to explore after losing run-blocking specialist Josh Oliver to a torn biceps. Running back is another position Lewis mentioned, even with Jordan Mason set to return soon, due to the lack of depth behind Mason and Aaron Jones.

Interior offensive line is another area of need with LG Donovan Jackson suffering a torn meniscus. Lewis noted the improvements to this group from 2025, but adding someone like Quenton Nelson or Tyler Steen could help continue that trend as they deal with Jackson’s absence.

Defensive line and safety are the two areas Lewis looked at on the defensive side of things. While Lewis does like the depth they have up front, adding a run stopper would prevent them from turning to rookies Caleb Banks or Domonique Orange in a full-time role in the event of an injury.

Lewis does admit safety could be the most far-fetched because of how complex the position is in DC Brian Flores‘ scheme. However, he thinks taking a swing at someone like Cardinals S Budda Baker or Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr. would be a logical contingency plan for veteran S Harrison Smith because of their pre-snap reads and blitzing ability.

Baker is among numerous players listed in our Updated 2026 Midseason Trade Block.

Nelson, 30, is a former first-round pick of the Colts out of Notre Dame in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was entering the fourth year of a four-year, $23.888 million rookie contract that included a $15.543 million signing bonus when the Colts exercised Nelson’s fifth-year option, worth $13.8 million in 2022. 

Nelson was in line to be an unrestricted free agent in 2023 when he signed a four-year, $80 million extension, breaking the record for a guard at the time. 

In 2026, Nelson has made six starts for the Colts at left guard. 

We’ll have more on the Vikings as the news becomes available.