The Minnesota Vikings are considering post-draft trades to finalize their roster. Five realistic trade candidates have been identified to enhance the team's performance.
Key points
Minnesota Vikings' roster is mostly finalized post-draft.
There is potential for trades to enhance the team.
Five realistic trade candidates have been identified.
Rob Brzezinski is the interim decision-maker for trades.
Mentioned in this story
Rob Brzezinski
Minnesota Vikings
5 Post-Draft Trades the Vikings Could Pull Off
Stephen Lew
The Minnesota Vikings’ post-draft roster is mostly in final shape with new players, but as is the case for every NFL team, there’s always room for a trade or two. The following is a list of sensible and realistic trade candidates for interim boss Rob Brzezinski.
Minnesota’s next notable roster move could come via trade.
The trades are ranked in order of which deals would help Minnesota the most (No. 1 = top trade candidate)
Five Trade Targets Could Still Fit Minnesota’s 2026 Roster Plan
Michael Hoecht reacts after a tackle in a Rams playoff game against the Eagles. Vikings trades
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht (97) reacts after finishing a tackle during playoff action, Jan. 19, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the Rams faced the Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round with Hoecht showing energy and physicality in a high-stakes postseason matchup. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.
Q&A
What are the top trade candidates for the Minnesota Vikings after the draft?
The article lists five realistic trade candidates that could help improve the Vikings' roster.
Who is the interim boss making trade decisions for the Vikings?
Rob Brzezinski is the interim boss responsible for potential trade decisions for the Minnesota Vikings.
How does the Vikings' post-draft roster look?
The Vikings' post-draft roster is mostly finalized but still has room for trades to enhance the team.
What is the significance of post-draft trades for NFL teams like the Vikings?
Post-draft trades can help NFL teams like the Vikings address weaknesses and improve their overall performance.
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Michael Hoecht (OLB | BUF)
New Vikings run game coordinator Ryan Nielsen crossed paths with Hoecht last season on the Buffalo Bills’ roster, and Hoecht is a depth outside linebacker who’s suddenly buried pretty deep after the Bills added Bradley Chubb and drafted T.J. Parker.
If Hoecht is trending as an odd man out in Buffalo, the Vikings could ship a late-rounder to Brandon Beane for his services. He’s accrued 11 sacks in the last three seasons. A depth piece.
Hoecht also played for the 2021 Los Angeles Rams, the club that won the Super Bowl with Kevin O’Connell as its offensive coordinator.
Possible Trade Price: 7th-Rounder
Felix Anudike-Uzomah (OLB | KC)
The Kansas City Chiefsdrafted Anudike-Uzomah on the same night in Round 1 that Minnesota drafted Jordan Addison three years ago. He missed all of 2025 with a hamstring injury, and the Chiefs did not exercise his fifth-year option. For Kansas City’s sake, he’s a bust.
Overall, Anudike-Uzomah has logged a few sacks in his career and deserves a change of scenery to see if he can rekindle his career. Why not try that with Brian Flores and friends?
Benson’s outlook with the Cardinals is challenging due to a crowded backfield. Arizona invested a Top 3 draft pick in Jeremiyah Love, re-signed James Conner, and acquired Tyler Allgeier in free agency, creating significant competition for carries.
Benson’s own trajectory has been hindered by recurring injuries since 2024, preventing him from building consistent momentum. While he showed flashes before his season-ending injury last year, the sample size was too small to be definitive.
Trey Benson runs the ball against the Seahawks in Arizona. Vikings trades
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (33) carries the ball during game action, Sep. 25, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as the Cardinals hosted the Seattle Seahawks with Benson working through the offense in a regular season NFC West matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
His current workload projections appear severely limited. He’s likely to be an RB3 or RB4 by September, significantly capping his immediate upside.
Despite turning 24 this summer, Benson still possesses the requisite tools. A change of scenery to a team where he could secure a more defined role and viable opportunities, rather than being buried on the depth chart, might better unlock his potential.
Jeudy is slated to earn just over $10 million in 2026, a figure that appears to be a bargain for a receiver of his caliber. The primary concern is Cleveland’s persistent struggle to maximize his talent.
Minnesota, however, presents a compelling alternative. Imagine Jeudy integrated into an offense alongside their quarterback, Justin Jefferson, and Jordan Addison. The resulting defensive spacing would be a nightmare for opponents. Minnesota is tailor-made for elite route runners, a role Jeudy excels in.
If Cleveland is open to a trade, Minnesota should pursue the opportunity aggressively.
Last Word onSports‘ David Latham on Jeudy: “Cleveland’s disastrous quarterback situation didn’t help anything, but it’s clear the Browns weren’t thrilled with Jeudy’s performance. After all, the team used their first-round pick on Texas A&M’s KC Conception and their second-round pick on Washington’s Denzel Boston.”
“Cleveland could still keep Jerry Jeudy as a veteran mentor, but it’s safe to assume they’d be willing to trade him for the right price.”
The 49ers and Aiyuk have fallen out of love. They don’t want each other anymore. It’s just that San Francisco is in no hurry to drop Aiyuk, insisting he’s available for trade but also that he won’t play for the 49ers again. It’s a standoff.
At his peak, Aiyuk is a magnificent WR2, with the upside of a WR1; at least that this used to be his trajectory when San Francisco paid him a boatload of cash.
Brandon Aiyuk is introduced before a 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium. Vikings trades
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) is introduced before kickoff, Sep. 9, 2024, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, as the 49ers prepared to face the New York Jets with Aiyuk taking the field during pregame ceremonies in a primetime season opener atmosphere. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images.
If the 49ers are able to trade Aiyuk, the deal will probably come together when San Francisco’s financial pain is less after June 1st. Naturally, Aiyuk would fit wonderfully in Minnesota. Kyle Shanahan and Kevin O’Connell’s systems have similarities.
Aiyuk has 1,342 receiving yards in the 2023 campaign, which isn’t necessarily yesterday but isn’t ancient history.
