Bleacher Report Names Vikings’ Best Trade Piece

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Bleacher Report Names Vikings’ Best Trade Piece

Bleacher Report Names Vikings' Best Trade Piece — Tennessee Titans wide receiver Mason Kinsey works upfield after a catch during a joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings on Aug. 16, 2023, in Eagan, Minnesota. Vikings safety Theo Jackson closes in on the play as the two clubs continued preparations for the preseason. The session featured multiple competitive team drills and situational work. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Network.

Dustin Baker · Vikings Territory

Wed, Jun 3, 2026 ·

5 min read

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The NFL was rocked by two ginormous trades on Monday, with EDGE rusher Myles Garrett heading to the Los Angeles Rams and wide receiver A.J. Brown , alas, traveling east to the New England Patriots .

In the backdrop, Bleacher Report sized up the most tradeable player for each NFL team, and for Minnesota , safety Theo Jackson got the nod.

Vikings' Safety Battle Could Create a Trade Opening

Theo Jackson gets ready on defense during a Vikings playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. — Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson lines up before the snap during an NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Jackson contributed to Minnesota's defensive rotation as the Vikings attempted to contain the Rams' passing attack in a postseason matchup in Glendale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

BR: Vikings Should Trade Jackson

Moe Moton of BR landed on Jackson as the Vikings' most sensible trade candidate, explaining , " Theo Jackson made our list of potential cut candidates after the Minnesota Vikings selected safety Jakobe Thomas in the third round of this year's draft. Jackson is among the Vikings' trade candidates for the same reason."

"Moreover, he could garner interest from the Washington Commanders , who hired Minnesota's former defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, Daronte Jones . Working directly under Jones, Jackson made strides as a downhill defender, logging 47 tackles (three for loss) and two sacks in 14 contests."

One year ago, Jackson was considered the direct replacement for Camryn Bynum , who vamoosed in 2025 free agency to the Indianapolis Colts .

"However, Jackson gave up too much ground in coverage, allowing a 131.5 passer rating and a 71.4 percent completion rate. Regardless of Thomas' progress through his first offseason in the pros, Minnesota may attempt to trade Jackson because of his limitations on passing downs," Moton concluded.

The 2025 Showing for Jackson

The Vikings may have already signaled their favored candidate for the starting safety position. Late in the 2025 season, Brian Flores gave Jay Ward more playing time than Jackson, which could be meaningful for 2026. Jackson was initially expected to replace Bynum after Bynum's departure to the Colts, but his audition yielded mixed results.

Jackson appeared in 14 games, starting eight, and accumulated 47 tackles, one forced fumble, and two quarterback hits. His pass coverage was a notable weakness; opposing quarterbacks achieved a high rating of 131.5 when targeting players he covered, a statistic that cannot be overlooked.

PFF grades also favored Ward, with Jackson receiving a 68.4 compared to Ward's 70.4.

While that doesn't guarantee Ward the starting role, it suggests Flores was already leaning toward him even before the season concluded.

A Rookie in the House

You might recall the Jonathan Greenard trade — the one Vikings fans hope will not live in infamy. Minnesota donated Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles , along with a 7th-Round pick, and received two 3rd-Rounders for their efforts.

The first trade return is Thomas, the man mentioned by Moton. He's a scrappy Miami Hurricane and could be ready for the bright lights of the regular season sooner rather than later. If so, that could put Jackson closer to the August roster bubble, or in the Bleacher Report scenario, the trade block.

Theo Jackson tackles Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner during a preseason game in Minneapolis. — Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson brings down Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner during a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium. During the Aug. 10, 2024, matchup in Minneapolis, Jackson delivered a tackle in open space as Minnesota evaluated defensive contributors ahead of the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Moton is correct that Jackson would make sense for the Commanders. They could use safety depth, and Daronte Jones knows Jackson quite intimately. It's worth noting, however, that Minnesota won't get much for Jackson — probably a 7th-Round pick, 6th-Rounder if Washington general manager Adam Peters is feeling generous that day.

Harrison Smith as the Final Straw?

Then, there's Smith. The Vikings haven't embarked on a regular season without Smith on the roster since 2011. Yes, it's been 15 years.

If Smith tells the Vikings that he will return for one more run, that will weaken Jackson's job security. Think: too many cooks in the kitchen, particularly with Thomas guaranteed a roster spot. Smith won't come back to stand on the sidelines, so his would-be presence will chop off playing time for Jackson or Ward.

Andrew Van Ginkel and Theo Jackson celebrate during a Vikings game against the Packers. — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and safety Theo Jackson celebrate after a defensive play against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. On Jan. 4, 2026, the teammates reacted during the third quarter as Minnesota battled its longtime NFC North rival in the regular-season finale. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

SI.com 's Will Ragatz noted on Smith last weekend , "He's presumably staying in shape at the Wood Gym back home in Knoxville, TN. And 215 games into his NFL career, Smith could roll up to Minnesota and be ready to go whenever he wants. The team has made it clear that they're supporting his decision and would welcome him back with open arms if he chooses to play one more year."

"One can't help but wonder if Smith sees the potential of this year's Vikings team, with Kyler Murray expected to start at quarterback, and will get the itch to suit up for year 15 once the regular season gets closer. He's spoken many times over the years about how deeply he loves the locker room and the unique experience of playing in front of 65,000 fans on Sundays. Smith showed last season that he's still got enough juice in the tank to help the Vikings win."

All signs point to Jackson as the Vikings' main roster-bubble candidate this summer. It's really not that surprising for him to end up on a Bleacher Report trade list in June .

Jackson will turn 28 in October.

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