NFCN ONLY TRADES / RUMORS

Cricket wrote:

https://x.com/SeifertESPN/status/2117988991589106169?a=lS87FBEbaCj3qGDDxxA&s=20

This wouldnt surprise me...a tilt to cap mgmnt and rolling with what they got...

.@DanGrazianoESPN: "Minnesota has looked around at running backs, but it doesn't sound as if the Vikings are in position to take on much salary. If they make an addition to help their run game, it might just as easily be an interior OL or a blocking TE."

Not a trade, but signed to the team.

The #Vikings are signing OL Corey Robinson II after having him in for a workout.

Robinson is an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas who was with the Bengals after the draft. https://t.co/4rXR0b61yP pic.twitter.com/5yGs6MNGyQ

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 4, 2026

Not the move that #Vikings fans were maybe looking for, but possibly a cheaper OL piece in case a more expensive trade position piece is acquired to get under the Salary Cap. Multiple big name moves likely would not happen without restructures occurring. #SKOL https://t.co/rjcGFIXu3g

— Steve Hoikkala (@stevehoikkala) November 4, 2026

You can make a pretty compelling argument that the Vikings should be aggressive buyers before next Tuesday.

You can also make a pretty compelling case that they should hold onto their picks.

Here's what I would do if I were Nolan Teasley: https://t.co/JhNYTcTtJn

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 4, 2026

The Vikings’ 19-15 loss to the Lions on Sunday was an important data point for general manager Nolan Teasley ahead of this year’s trade deadline. There’s only one game left before Nov. 10 hits, and it comes on deadline eve when the Vikings welcome the Bills to U.S. Bank Stadium on Monday Night Football.

The question is whether the defeat in Detroit should spur Teasley in one direction or the other, as it relates to how he approaches the upcoming trade deadline. You can make the case either way without much difficulty.

The case for buying

For as poorly as Kyler Murray and the Vikings’ offense played at Ford Field, generating just three real drives on ten attempts, they still almost pulled off a road upset over a great team. They were right there and absolutely had opportunities in a four-point loss.

Why? Because Brian Flores’ defense continues to be incredible. Sure, the Lions ended up with 384 total yards, including 230 on the ground. The Vikings’ defense was worn down in the second half and missed a bunch of tackles. They also gave their offense a chance.

The Lions were held to a season-low 19 points. At halftime, they had managed two field goals on six possessions, with four sacks on Jared Goff and an interception. Goff’s 176 passing yards on the day were his fewest since September 2025. The Lions eventually broke through behind Jahmyr Gibbs and a good plan from coordinator Drew Petzing, but it’s hard to blame the Vikings too much for springing a few leaks against one of the NFL’s best offenses.

The result in Detroit doesn’t change the idea that this is a truly elite, potentially all-time great Vikings defense. If anything, it might even reinforce that notion. Nobody holds these Lions under 20 points.

The Vikings have an incredible defense — one they can’t count on retaining in 2027, when Flores could get poached as a head coach and several key pieces will be free agents. They have Justin Jefferson in the heart of his prime (who is currently very frustrated, it’s worth noting). They have other big-time skill-position weapons and two great offensive tackles and maybe the best kicker in the league.

If now isn’t the time to buy, when is?

The case against buying

The Vikings don’t have a quarterback. And when you don’t have a quarterback, there isn’t much sense in pushing the chips in and trying to win a Super Bowl.

Sunday’s game was further proof that Minnesota’s offense is broken. Murray ended up with a decent-enough box score in Detroit, but anyone who watched the game knows how poorly he played. After a strong outing in New Orleans before the bye, he hasn’t nearly been good enough for two straight weeks.

Not too hard to see why Justin Jefferson is frustrated. These are bad misses from Kyler Murray. pic.twitter.com/dZxoZmerCF

— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) November 2, 2026

There’s still time for Murray to potentially turn things around. The Vikings could also give Carson Wentz another opportunity. But given what we know right now, it’s hard to feel much confidence that either of those two quarterbacks is capable of leading a deep playoff run, even with an elite defense to fall back on.

Adding a guard or a blocking tight end or a running back — even if that running back is Jonathan Taylor — isn’t going to suddenly fix Murray’s issues with accuracy and reading the middle of the field. The Vikings might as well play out the season with what they’ve got, hold onto their draft picks, and hope one of their two QBs breaks out.

Our verdict

This is a legitimate dilemma for Teasley and the Vikings. There are convincing arguments in both directions.

Our verdict leans towards buying (with one condition). This defense and this group of skill-position weapons deserves a chance to make a run in the playoffs. This could potentially be the last year with Flores. This is Jefferson’s prime.

However, if you’re going to buy, actually commit to it. Flipping a late-round pick for a blocking tight end or a Tony Pollard isn’t going to change this team’s outlook much.

Go get a great running back like Taylor or Saquon Barkley or Derrick Henry. Better yet, trade for Kirk Cousins or Geno Smith or a different quarterback. While you’re at it, go grab a safety or another piece for the trenches, too.

Our advice to Teasley would be to aggressively buy and give this Vikings team a chance. But if that’s not going to happen, then hold onto the picks instead of making a minor move just for the sake of making a move.

Shane Steichen: Jonathan Taylor is on our football team, wants to win this game. https://t.co/UTfXUlJweY

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 4, 2026

At this point, running back Jonathan Taylor is on the Colts.

By this time next week, he may not be.

But Indianapolis is still planning to play Taylor in Sunday’s matchup against the Cowboys, head coach Shane Steichen told reporters in his Wednesday press conference.

Why?

“Yeah, I think there’s a lot of stuff out there right now,” Steichen said, via James Boyd of TheAthletic.com. “He’s on our football team, and he’s excited for this opportunity to go play. He wants to go win this game.”

Taylor has expressed a desire to stick with the Colts, while also acknowledging that he’s not necessarily in control of his future at the moment.

In eight games this season, Taylor has rushed for 610 yards with eight touchdowns and caught 21 passes for 202 yards.

We’ll see if a team makes a deal for Taylor before the deadline on Nov. 10.

The #Vikings have been active in terms of making calls around the NFL for trades, but the market is at a “standstill” with Jonathan Taylor’s status still TBD, @alec_lewis mentioned via @AlecLewisShow.

“They’ve had calls on a lot of available players. As of right now, when I’m… pic.twitter.com/iejI4JAEqd

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) November 4, 2026

The #Vikings have been active in terms of making calls around the NFL for trades, but the market is at a “standstill” with Jonathan Taylor’s status still TBD,

@alec_lewis

mentioned via

@AlecLewisShow

.“They’ve had calls on a lot of available players. As of right now, when I’m recording this Tuesday evening, it does feel like the market is kinda at a standstill.”

#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said that he talked to Jauan Jennings “for awhile” after both teams talked about a trade, and JJ told him that liked where he was at in Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/3kBHRLvu88

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) November 4, 2026

purplefaithful wrote:

I had this same conversation with @JIT over the last month...He was also pimping Mac Jones. At the time, I was more in the camp of seeing what we have in 9 than a trade with SF on their back-up.
We may not have a choice now and u could be right in that he's the best choice in a pool of non-elites. But they'll need someone to bridge till whatever rook may take over in 2+ seasons from now.
I dont think SF will do us any favors this season, especially with us playing them in 2 weeks.
I wish that upcoming QB class was as strong as we had hoped this Spring. I think the real work is going to be who is worthy/fit Day 2?
Day 1 might be clear-cut (and lean pickings.)

Man, stop mentioning me. You’re gonna catch a stray. 😂

I think Jones just makes so much sense. KC can run his preferred offense. Won’t break the bank. A redo of Jefferson’s contract clears a ton of space for more flexibility (most likely retaining our guys) and allows Teasley some shopping.

My biggest concern about drafting another QB is spending a first on a guy that grades out as a third. Drew Allar caliber guys is what I keep coming back to.

Maybe Sellers continues his upward trajectory and he is worthy of a late one. Just about everyone benefits from going back making the 28 QB class a potential watershed year. Couple top end RBs too.

JustInTime wrote:

Man, stop mentioning me. You’re gonna catch a stray. 😂
I think Jones just makes so much sense. KC can run his preferred offense. Won’t break the bank. A redo of Jefferson’s contract clears a ton of space for more flexibility (most likely retaining our guys) and allows Teasley some shopping.
My biggest concern about drafting another QB is spending a first on a guy that grades out as a third. Drew Allar caliber guys is what I keep coming back to.
Maybe Sellers continues his upward trajectory and he is worthy of a late one. Just about everyone benefits from going back making the 28 QB class a potential watershed year. Couple top end RBs too.

Lol! I do t need anymore strays in my days

I'm careful not to try and take credit for others thoughts and musings ;)

JustInTime wrote:

Man, stop mentioning me. You’re gonna catch a stray. 😂
I think Jones just makes so much sense. KC can run his preferred offense. Won’t break the bank. A redo of Jefferson’s contract clears a ton of space for more flexibility (most likely retaining our guys) and allows Teasley some shopping.
My biggest concern about drafting another QB is spending a first on a guy that grades out as a third. Drew Allar caliber guys is what I keep coming back to.
Maybe Sellers continues his upward trajectory and he is worthy of a late one. Just about everyone benefits from going back making the 28 QB class a potential watershed year. Couple top end RBs too.

problem is, KOC is our OC/HC he was all supportive of JJM before the draft, same with them going after KM and then going over the top by putting all their eggs in that basket.... and Teasly going along with it. who can we trust right now on QB evaluations? honestly I dont think I have lost faith in what KOC is involved with. I am coming to think that he is motivator of men, but maybe not the best evaluator or educator of them if that makes sense. He is not a bad coach, but maybe OC/play caller/talent evaluator is not his strength.

to be honest I am really befuddled and at a loss on what should be the best next move for this franchise. they are so close, but in reality... yet so far.

JimmyinSD wrote:

problem is, KOC is our OC/HC he was all supportive of JJM before the draft, same with them going after KM and then going over the top by putting all their eggs in that basket.... and Teasly going along with it. who can we trust right now on QB evaluations? honestly I dont think I have lost faith in what KOC is involved with. I am coming to think that he is motivator of men, but maybe not the best evaluator or educator of them if that makes sense. He is not a bad coach, but maybe OC/play caller/talent evaluator is not his strength.
to be honest I am really befuddled and at a loss on what should be the best next move for this franchise. they are so close, but in reality... yet so far.

This is why I mentioned bringing in Steichen once the Colts shitcan him. What would have been better is retaining Udinski. Probably still have McCarthy and better game plans week to week. Udinski then leaves this season as the OC of a Super Bowl winner.