The Minnesota Vikings helmet remains a symbol of tradition and pride, seen here on January 13, 2025, during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The detailed shot highlights the teams iconic horned logo, a design that has represented Minnesota football for decades, capturing both heritage and fierce competitiveness. Harrison Phillips departed the Minnesota Vikings this week via trade, in exchange for two 6th-Round picks from the New York Jets. Minnesota also shipped a 7th-Rounder to New York.
Reports suggest the Minnesota Vikings could pursue not just one but multiple trades, potentially addressing both depth and special teams needs.
Few did not view the deal as a standalone transaction, expecting a follow-up trade with a team to be named later.
But dont rule out two trades for the purple team.
Minnesota needs some reinforcements at WR.
Tennessee Titans general manager Ran Carthon was seen chatting with Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah during practice in Eagan on August 16, 2023. Their sideline conversation underscored the collaborative and competitive dynamics between franchises as both executives evaluated rosters, player development, and potential opportunities ahead of the NFL regular season kickoff. To set the table: Justin Jefferson is just returning from a hamstring injury. Jordan Addisons suspension will prevent him from partaking in the first three regular season games. Jalen Nailors hand injury has an uncertain prognosis. And Rondale Moore wont play at all in 2025 because of a season-cancelling knee injury.
Down the line, Minnesotas wideouts have dropped like flies in the last few weeks not ideal for a team about to unleash a 22-year-old quarterback with no regular season experience.
So when The Athletics Alec Lewis mentioned that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could conduct two more deals in the near future, the theory made sense.
The question that I would really ask would be, is it just going to be one or are they going to be willing to seek two wide receivers with potential that one of them has a punt returning skill set? Like that wouldnt surprise me at all, Lewis said on his YouTube show this week.
One transaction feels automatic; two seem likely.
Adofo-Mensah has used duality thrice this offseason with roster enhancements. He needed to upgrade the offensive line, so he signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. Check.
Defensive tackle also needed love. Adofo-Mensah inked Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Check.
At cornerback, Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin were not re-signed, prompting the young executive to onboard Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah. Check.
Minnesota head coach Kevin OConnell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media on July 22, 2024, from the TCO Performance Center ahead of training camp. They covered topics including rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson, wide receiver Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and the quarterback competition, offering optimism and insight into the teams direction. Everything arrived in twos this offseason. Why not WR reinforcements?
Consider this theory. Adofo-Mensah could splash mightily on a household WR name, sending draft picks to a different team for an established wideout. These names might make sense, and none are young or unproven:
- Kendrick Bourne (NE)
- Tyreek Hill (MIA)
- Van Jefferson (TEN)
- Jauan Jennings (SF)
- Allen Lazard (NYJ)
- Terry McLaurin (WAS)
- Jakobi Meyers (LV)
- Chris Olave (NO)
- Curtis Samuel (BUF)
- JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC)
- Adam Thielen (CAR)
Most NFL fans will know those men by name; their work is extensive and well-documented.
On December 15, 2024, at State Farm Stadium, New England Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne took the field against the Arizona Cardinals. Bourne, known for his reliable route running and playmaking ability, continued to contribute to New Englands offense during the 2024 season as the Patriots worked to spark consistency from their passing attack late in the year. Step One could be onboarding a veteran wideout.
Then, following the pattern of two from the last six months, Adofo-Mensah could explore a lesser-known WR commodity, one with youth on his side, with a chance to develop in Kevin OConnells offense.
These players come to mind:
- Calvin Austin III (PIT)
- Javon Baker (NE)
- Kayshon Boutte (NE)
- Jermaine Burton (CIN)
- Romeo Doubs (GB)
- Quentin Johnston (LAC)
- Trey Palmer (TB)
- Alec Pierce (IND)
- JaLynn Polk (NE)
- Jalen Tolbert (DAL)
- Jordan Whittington (LAR)
- Roman Wilson (PIT)
Adofo-Mensah would welcome both worlds: a pass-catcher could field WR2 duty during Addisons absence (Bourne, Jennings, Thielen) and a youngster in the chamber (Baker, Pierce, Whittington).
Zone Coverages Tyler Ireland wrote about the Phillips trade on Thursday, In fairness to Adofo-Mensah, there are some positives to doing this deal now. It nets the Vikings an additional sixth-round pick and $3.7 million in cap space, both of which can be used to acquire a certain veteran wide receiver who grew up in Detroit Lakes and once practiced dental sales.
I didnt think the Carolina Panthers would be interested in trading Adam Thielen, but rumor has it hes trying to force his way out of Charlotte. Trust SKOR Norths tip line and Kevin OConnells grin during his interview with Kay Adams at your own risk. By trading away Phillips, the Vikings are ushering in a youth movement on the defensive line.
Minnesota defensive end Dean Lowry and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips battled in the trenches against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023. Both linemen were key to Minnesotas efforts on defense, anchoring the line while facing off against one of the NFLs most physical offensive units in a primetime matchup. Thielen is probably the most popular trade target among fans.
Ireland continued, Brian Flores wouldnt have signed off on this deal if he didnt have faith in Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and undrafted free agent Elijah Williams. With Phillips out of the picture, Flores now has more flexibility to run a deeper rotation at defensive tackle.
Now you could theoretically see Ingram-Dawkins take snaps at 0-tech on first down, then shift to 5-tech on second down, and sub out for Rodriguez on third down.
Brace for two more Vikings trades, especially if Jalen Nailor hits the Physically Unable to Perform list or Injured Reserve.
