The Vikings’ GM said he was going to be involved in the NFL’s trade conversations. Whether those conversations lead to tangible actions remains to be seen, but Nolan Teasley wants to be curious and nosy.
Such was the claim following the decision to move on from QB3 J.J. McCarthy.
Indeed, the front office executive indicated that his mission is to ensure that he’s inserting himself into the NFL discussions about possible swaps. Doing so allows the Vikings to keep their finger on the pulse to ensure that any open opportunity for a move that makes sense can be considered. Climbing up to 5-0 but with some clear achy spots on the roster only enhances the Vikings’ motivation to consider some trading.
The Vikings’ GM & The NFL Trade Deadline
At 5-0, the Vikings are likely to be buyers.
Nolan Teasley, though, isn’t going to turn down the chance to send out talent if that’s what makes sense. He referred to that 5th picked up in the earlier McCarthy deal as potential ammo for a future deal, indicating that Minnesota could be in the business of selling to enhance the buying power down the road.
Consider some of what he had to say about how he is approaching the deadline: “We’re going to try to be involved. And we’ve said this from the beginning, we’re going to try to be involved in everything as much as possible to improve this roster for the present and for the future.”
“And so we’ll be active you just won’t always know about it,” Teasley concluded with a coy smile.
So far, the hype has been around WR3 Jauan Jennings. Shipping him out would involve recouping an asset while clearing cap space, an option that does have appeal. He has only a pair of catches for 9 yards, creating some concern about his fit (or lack thereof) in the Kevin O’Connell offense.
A sneaky option, though, is Tai Felton, the sophomore receiver who is known for his blazing speed and his feisty play as a gunner. The old GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, took the seldom-used receiver at the end of the 3rd in the 2025 NFL Draft. Seeing a team send over a 6th or a 7th for the depth pass catcher wouldn’t be a surprise since he’s talented but not a major piece of the puzzle in Minnesota.
Depth options like Zemaiah Vaughn and Jeshaun Jones have had some nice reps out at gunner. And then there’s Tavierre Thomas on the practice squad to put in work at gunner if there’s a need for experience. Does Felton offer enough that’s unique to continue demanding a roster spot?
Nolan Teasley is likely to be interested in making an add at running back. Likewise, there’s some need at tight end, safety, and possibly the offensive line. Every so often, a team executive views things differently from those outside the building, so maybe a different position gets identified for some enhancement.
The Vikings’ GM has a pile of draft picks to work with for the upcoming draft. Shipping out the 1st and/or 2nd would be odd, but Minnesota does have a pair of 3rds and three 5ths. So, too, is there some firepower down in the 6th, further allowing the Vikings to bring talent aboard.
Nolan Teasley has promised to work the phones while keeping his cards close to his chest. Presumably, we’ll only learn about what gets discussed if/when a trade becomes a reality, but keep swinging by to see if there’s some updates about the possibilities being discussed.
The NFL trade deadline arrives on November 10th.