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5 Trade Candidates on Defense the Vikings Should Monitor
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- 5 Trade Candidates on Defense the Vikings Should Monitor
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Suppose Minnesota Vikings general manager Rob Brzezinski is going to fire off a trade this offseason. The quarterback may be the popular position for the theory. However, there are also some good options on the defensive side of the ball.
Five Names Make Sense for Vikings' Trades on Defense
The main areas the Vikings need to strengthen on defense are the secondary and linebacker positions, but in truth, there's room to enhance at every position. Several players on the trade block should interest the decision-makers in Minnesota.
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Marlon Humprey (CB), Baltimore Ravens
A former All-Pro cornerback, Marlon Humphrey played the worst season of his career in 2025, posting a 49.9 overall PFF grade with a 42.9 PFF coverage grade while missing 16.5% of his tackles. Not the standard expected from a two-time
Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) celebrates his interception during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via Imagn Images
first team All-Pro. Humphrey doesn't turn 30 until later in the year, so he should still have plenty to offer, while being eager to prove last season was just a blip
With Humphrey's cap figure climbing over $26 million in 2026 and having just one season left on his current deal, Baltimore may look to find a trade suitor. It would cost the Vikings just over $7 million for the 2026 season, which would be a steal if Humphrey returns to anything like his best.
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Patrick Queen (LB), Pittsburgh Steelers
Patrick Queen represents another chance for Brzezinski to try and buy low on a former All-Pro on the back of a poor season. A former first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens, the Pittsburgh Steelers paid big to swoop Queen away from their divisional rivals when he hit free agency.
The move hasn't worked for Queen, who regressed badly to the worst season of his career in 2025. Queen is set to enter the 2026 campaign on an expiring deal. Getting his contract off the books would make sense as the Steelers and their new head coach look to freshen things up.
Daron Payne (DT), Washington Commanders
Washington is under pressure heading into 2026, a year removed from making the playoffs with a rookie QB. They only managed five wins in 2025. Theymust improve their defense after ranking 31st in EPA per play allowed, which might include trading Daron Payne.
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A former first-round pick by Washington back in 2018, and a Pro Bowler in 2022, the longtime Washington standout has declined in recent seasons while on a big contract. If they want to cut ties to save money, a year before Payne becomes a free agent and the Vikings can get him relatively cheaply, there's a player there who is yet to turn 29 for Brian Flores to try and revitalize.
Deonte Banks (CB), New York Giants
Deonte Banks was often linked with the Vikings in the build-up to the 2023 draft as the team searched for a lockdown cornerback – they still are. Minnesota selected WR Jordan Addison with the 23rd overall pick, and Banks went to the New York Giants with the next pick.
Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) returns a punt for a touchdown in the second half against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It hasn't worked for Banks in New York, and he could already be surplus to requirements.
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Quan Martin (S), Washington Commanders
We go back to Washington and back to a high draft that hasn't worked out in the pros, with safety Quan Martin. A second-round pick in 2023, Martin has been a regular starter in Washington over the last two seasons but hasn't produced the expected results of a high draft pick.
Nov 13, 2025; Madrid, Spain; Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin (20) at press conference at Ciudad Deportiva del Real Madrid. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
With a lot of salary cap space to play with, Washington should look to bolster their defense in free agency, leaving Martin available. His biggest struggles are in coverage, but his strength is downhill, which Flores should be able to utilize in his defense.
