In roughly a month, the NFL’s trade deadline is going to arrive.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter brought the key date to the fore when recapping some of the swaps of recent days (including that poor J.J. McCarthy deal). It’ll be on November 10th, Schefter reminds us, that the NFL sees the trading stop. So, that leads to a natural question for football fans around the Twin Cities: what does the Vikings’ firepower look like with roughly a month to go?
The Vikings’ Firepower Ahead of ’26 NFL Trade Deadline
Thankfully, Craig Peters of the Vikings’ website has clarified the lay of the land. Consider the team’s upcoming draft picks:
- 1st Round (MIN)
- 2nd Round (MIN)
- 3rd Round (MIN)
- 3rd Round (PHI)
- 5th Round (MIN)
- 5th Round (CAR)
- 5th Round (NYG)
- 6th Round (MIN)
- 6th Round (NYJ)
Go ahead and consider a clarifying note about compensatory picks from Peters, who notes that “the Vikings [could be] awarded any compensatory picks based on departures and arrivals during 2026 free agency. Compensatory picks are awarded between the Super Bowl and the following draft.”
Good clarity from Peters on this point.
Note that the expectation is that the Minnesota Vikings will gain an added 6th due to losing Jalen Nailor to the Las Vegas Raiders. Obviously, that’s not going to be helpful for the 2026 NFL trade deadline, but the incoming pick could allow Nolan Teasley to feel a bit friskier since he’s expecting a small influx of draft capital.
Recently, a lot of the focus for a position that makes some sense for reinforcements is left guard. Losing LG1 Donovan Jackson makes that side of the line less sturdy, so there could be some consideration of the options out there to acquire.
Note, as well, that adding a running back and/or tight end could make sense. Jordan Mason has been out for a little while, revealing how precarious things could get with the reinvigorated ground attack down even a single runner. Josh Oliver is done for the season, meaning a hulking blocker at tight end now has some new appeal due to losing that top option.
A less obvious need is at safety. Harrison Smith isn’t quite the same. Theo Jackson has played better but has had some bad lapses. Jay Ward has yet to be worked into the mix, Jacob Thomas has been minimized, and Jakobe Thomas hasn’t left the bench. So, what about a safety? Josh Metellus could use some help.
Some teams to monitor are the Chargers (0-4), Buccaneers (0-4), Titans (0-4), Texans (0-4), Dolphins (0-4), Commanders (1-3), and some other teams, as well. Keep an eye on the losers, especially if the Vikings continue demanding a seat at the winners’ table.
The Vikings’ firepower isn’t infinite. However, the Vikings do have the capacity to jump into trade conversations if the wins keep on adding up. GM Nolan Teasley has publicly explained a desire to be involved in the league’s trade conversations, so the Vikings will be in the mix whether we realize it or not.
The Vikings’ next game takes place on Sunday, October 10th down in New Orleans. Pulling off the road win will mean getting to a pristine 5-0 record as the Week 6 bye arrives.
Mr. Teasley would be wise to ensure that his phone remains charged for what is promising to be an exciting trade deadline.