By Matthew Coller
This may come as shocking news but the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings are going to be making phone calls in the coming weeks with the aim to add to their roster at the deadline.
What’s unclear is whether they are big-game hunting or just looking to add some pieces to help in areas where they might need a little more depth. Maybe that’s for another article when we get closer to the deadline.
One factor that will determine the types of opportunities the Vikings have to acquire talent via trade is the teams that are looking to sell.
Which teams should they be targeting? Who are the main players likely to be on the block?
Let’s have a look at the categories of potential sellers, from 100% teardown teams, to teams that should be selling to those who probably won’t be moving talent unless the next few weeks turn disastrous.
We can also identify some possible trade targets based on 2027 free agent status or rumors…
Absolutely selling
Miami Dolphins
Last offseason, the Dolphins tore it all down and they are seeing the fruits of that labor with and 0-5 record and -62 point differential (worst in the NFL). They are in the perfect position to move anything that isn’t nailed down and pick up more draft capital for their full rebuild.
Possible targets:
TE — Greg Dulcich
ED — Josh Uche
New York Jets
The Jets are a much better team this year than they were last year but they aren’t close to a contending team with the Patriots and Bills in the division. At 2-4, they should be looking to find any way possible to get younger players on the field and move anybody who isn’t going to be part of the long-term vision.
Possible targets:
ED — Kingsley Enagbare
G — Jordan Meredith
WR — Tim Patrick
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are a funky one because they spent gobs of money in the offseason on a bunch of veteran players with hopes of being much more competitive. I’m assuming that they will live in reality and sell at the deadline but it’s always possible that they could stubbornly try to fight it out with hopes of showing improvement by the end of the season.
Possible targets:
RB — Tony Pollard
RB — Tyjae Spears
ED — Jermaine Johnson
Los Angeles Chargers
There seems to be some buzz that the 0-6 Chargers are going to keep fighting despite being an utter mess this season but they’ve already gone past the point of having any chance of a turnaround. With some veterans on defense, they should be trying to restock via the draft around Justin Herbert.
Possible targets:
S - Derwin James
ED — Khalil Mack
DT — Dalvin Tomlinson
ED — Tuli Tuipulotu
RB — Kimani Vidal
Arizona Cardinals
Good for the Cardinals getting their first win of the season against the Rams. But they are a team who has looked for a total rebuild from the time they benched Kyler Murray last year. They should be open for business leading up to the deadline.
Possible targets:
S - Budda Baker
ED — Josh Sweat
LB — Zaven Collins
ED — Baron Browning
RB — Tyler Allgeier
DT — LJ Collier
Philadelphia Eagles
Since they already moved Cam Jurgens, Lane Johnson retired and they are currently playing Tanner McKee, GM Howie Roseman has to be wise enough to know when the party has come to an end. Since he already took a rare loss in the Jonathan Greenard trade, it’s not clear whether he would help the Vikings in their quest toward NFC contention but it’s very likely that he will be trying to pick up future draft capital.
Possible targets:
RB — Saquon Barkley
CB — Tariq Woolen
TE — Johnny Mundt
RB — Dameon Pierce