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5 Outlandish Trades the Vikings Could Explore in the Spirit of the Week
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- 5 Outlandish Trades the Vikings Could Explore in the Spirit of the Week
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Boston Celtics accepted a criminally low trade package for Jaylen Brown , the Los Angeles Lakers spent the farm on Walter Kessler, the Minnesota Timberwolves sent the expected price to the Charlotte Hornets for LaMelo Ball, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is a member of the Miami Heat after a landmark trade.
So, we ask — what if the Minnesota Vikings splash in this manner? It's probably unlikely because new general manager Nolan Teasley will want to preserve draft picks, but let's take a look at the outlandish possibilities.
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Why even bother with this list? Because, for example, the Philadelphia 76ers were 100-to-1 odds to land Brown, and look what happened. Anything is possible in sports.
Vikings Might Have Enough Roster Flexibility for One Massive Swing
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) moves through pregame warmups at SoFi Stadium, with Oct. 20, 2024 placing him in Inglewood, California, before kickoff against the Los Angeles Rams. Crosby brings his familiar edge energy and disruptive presence as Las Vegas prepares for a road matchup that Sunday afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images.
1. Maxx Crosby (OLB) to MIN for Two 1st-Rounders
Thanks to the Baltimore Ravens ' shenanigans, we already know the price for Crosby, who will evidently just return to the Las Vegas Raiders as if nothing happened.
The Vikings already traded Jonathan Greenard this offseason, paving the way for Dallas Turner to start without impediment, but don't forget that Andrew Van Ginkel , the other main EDGE rusher, is scheduled to test free agency in March 2027. Theoretically, Teasley could donate his next two 1st-Rounders for a sure thing in Crosby and extend the team's Super Bowl window.
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Crosby ranks sixth in sacks (69.5) leaguewide since turning pro in 2019. Like every trade on this list, this one is a long shot. Teasley probably won't get rid of his 1st-Rounders unless he embraces the Los Angeles Rams ' longstanding team-building philosophy.
2. J.J. McCarthy (QB) to IND for Anthony Richardson (QB)
Minnesota drafted McCarthy in April 2024, and through two seasons, it's safe to say the experiment has not panned out as planned, mainly because of McCarthy's injury woes. He's missed 73% of all eligible games due to injuries.
The Vikings were reportedly high on Richardson during the 2023 NFL Draft, so in this scenario, they swap quarterbacks with similar modus operandi. Neither the Vikings nor the Colts know whether their quarterbacks will blossom into starters, as their first few years in the league have been marred by injuries.
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3. Garrett Bradbury (C) Back to MIN for a 6th-Rounder
The New England Patriots decided that 2025 3rd-Rounder Jared Wilson will start at center in 2026, trading Bradbury to the Chicago Bears for a 5th-Round pick a few months ago. Bradbury would start for the Bears and face the Vikings twice annually, right? Probably not. Chicago then drafted Iowa's Logan Jones in Round 2 two months ago; teams don't spend 2nd-Round draft capital and redshirt them, at least not frequently.
Therefore, barring a bench assignment for Bradbury, he could be on the trade block, and Minnesota is scheduled to start Blake Brandel at center. Bradbury certainly wasn't loved by all during his six seasons with the Vikings, but he might be better than Brandel.
A 6th-Rounder would likely get the trade across the finish line. The trade would be considered "outlandish" because Bradbury left the team not long ago, and the Bears and Vikings rarely engage in trade business.
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4. Riley Moss (CB) to MIN for a 4th-Rounder
Jahdae Barron is itching for playing time in Denver after the Broncos drafted him in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, while Sean Payton and friends already employ Patrick Surtain II and Ja'Quan McMillian at cornerback.
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) tracks the ball during warmups at Paycor Stadium, with Dec. 28, 2024 marking the pregame scene in Cincinnati, Ohio, before Denver's matchup with the Bengals. Moss works through his routine as the Broncos prepare for a late-season AFC test on the road. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.
These are Moss's passer rating allowed marks over the last two years:
2025 — 88.22024 — 95.4
And his Pro Football Focus grades:
2025 — 64.22024 — 57.8
Moss played nearly 1,100 snaps on defense last year — a workhorse — and his contract will run out after this season. It's worth noting that the Vikings have enjoyed some luck with guys named Moss .
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5. Budda Baker (S) to MIN for a 4th-Rounder
Pretend Harrison Smith doesn't return for Year No. 15. Minnesota would embark on the 2026 campaign with Josh Metellus , Jay Ward , Theo Jackson , and rookie Jakobe Thomas at safety. Is that enough firepower? Maybe, maybe not.
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss (21) secures a pass during pregame drills at Paycor Stadium, with Dec. 28, 2024 capturing the warmup moment in Cincinnati, Ohio, before Denver meets the Cincinnati Bengals. Moss sharpens his hands and footwork as the Broncos get ready for an important late-season road game. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.
Baker is a proven commodity and an eight-time Pro Bowler. The Arizona Cardinals will set sail on 2026 with Jacoby Brissett , Gardner Minshew , or Carson Beck at quarterback, proving that they're not overly serious about contending and probably biding their time for a new signal-caller from the 2027 NFL Draft. Baker may want to play for a contender, and in theory, he could wind down his career in Minnesota.
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New Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray was a teammate of Baker for seven seasons in the desert. Baker has visited the postseason just once in nine seasons. Perhaps his fortunes could change in Minnesota.
