= 1024px)" srcset="https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/t\_editorial\_landscape\_12\_desktop/league/jmt5sookbt3y2huid48k">eddfec38-e08a-4843-9216-d05bb84a8623 thumbnail
EAGAN, Minn. -- The past provides clues, especially when it comes to Minnesota Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley.
He came from the Seattle Seahawks, a franchise that builds and sustains its roster through the draft. In his first appearances with the Vikings, Teasley outlined a comparable approach. He learned from Seahawks general manager John Schneider, who churns his practice squad, always aiming to maximize the developmental upside of every spot. Teasley has adopted that strategy, too.
More relevant now, he contributed to one of the Seahawks' critical choices on their road to a Super Bowl win last season. Seattle parted with two late-round draft picks for electric receiver/returner Rashid Shaheed.
Over the next few weeks, Teasley will have the chance to prove just how much he believes in the Vikings' prospects this season. Team sources, who requested anonymity so they could share details of the team's plans without facing repercussions from management, suggest he is open to pursuing a bevy of ideas at the trade deadline.
Player availability, asking price and salary-cap dynamics will determine the extent to which the Vikings supplement their roster before Nov. 10. And even though most NFL teams remain committed to winning, it's worth assessing the areas that could solidify the team's floor and raise its ceiling.
Here are five positions they could look to bolster with some potential options to monitor at each:
Tight end
Few people noticed Josh Oliver's injury in real time, but it was gnarly.
Late in the fourth quarter of the Vikings' Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oliver's arm overextended while blocking for a Will Reichard field goal attempt. He sauntered off the field afterward, his arm dangling by his side. Minnesota's staff feared the worst. A diagnosis of a torn biceps validated their concerns.
Oliver's absence has mattered greatly to the Vikings' offensive strategy. Through three weeks, Oliver had played almost 75 percent of the team's early-down snaps. His ruggedness and ability to block edge rushers helped the offense stay on schedule. The respect opposing defenses have for Oliver forced them to match the Vikings' heavier packages with more linebackers, opening up play-action possibilities.
Vikings personnel usage in 2026
||||||
Situation 11P 12P 21P 22P
First down 35.0% 26.0% 23.6% 9.80%
Second-and-short 42.4% 18.2% 33.3% 6.1%
Second-and-long 70.0% 15.0% 5.0% 10.0%
Third-and-short 85.7% 0.0% 4.8% 9.5%
Third-and-long 93.8% 0.0% 6.3% 0.0%
Young tight ends Gavin Bartholomew and Ben Yurosek filled in admirably against the New Orleans Saints. Still, the Vikings would benefit from another difference-maker at the position. Finding a big-bodied tight end would pair nicely with T.J. Hockenson. Another player at the position would also provide cover in the event of any future injury to Hockenson.
This might be extra important considering the rapport quarterback Kyler Murray and Hockenson have developed. Targets to the tight end have helped Murray establish a rhythm in recent weeks. The coaches need to ensure he has a safety valve. It's also worth mentioning Hockenson's contract voids after the 2026 season, which adds murkiness to the team's future at the position.
Potential options: Charlie Kolar, Los Angeles Chargers; Elijah Higgins, Arizona Cardinals; Hunter Long, Cardinals; Nick Kallerup, Seahawks
Running back
In training camp, Jordan Mason looked destined for a major season. In Week 1, he broke free for a critical 28-yard run in the fourth quarter, a go-ahead score against the Green Bay Packers, but he emerged from that game with a thumb injury. Surgery has sidelined him since.
Mason could return this weekend against the Indianapolis Colts. His presence would alleviate the burden on veteran running back Aaron Jones, who has been a warrior, but additional depth would be advantageous. The Vikings aspire to contend, and to do so, they must make sure they're insured in the event of another injury.
The Vikings have averaged 3.9 yards per carry, hovering around the middle of the pack in the NFL. Most of the advanced statistics are less positive. For example, Minnesota ranks 26th in rushing yards over expected, according to Next Gen Stats.
The Vikings could go after a running back with a home-run burst. Murray has been consistent as a passer, especially underneath. Considering how often defenses play with two deep safeties against the Vikings, explosive runs would enhance the formula. Minnesota's usage of vertical-gap and lateral-zone rushing concepts keeps most available candidates in play.
Potential options: Keaton Mitchell, Chargers; Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans; Kimani Vidal, Chargers; Kenneth Gainwell, Buccaneers; Tyler Allgeier, Cardinals
Interior offensive line
The sample is small. However, five games into the 2026 season, it appears the interior of the Vikings' offensive line has dramatically improved.
Last year, the team's interior allowed the highest pressure rate in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats. This season, Minnesota's interior is giving up pressure at a much lower clip. Specifically, the Vikings used offseason training time on diffusing stunts, a constant strategy opponents deploy against them.
Vikings interior IOL pressure numbers
||||
Season Pressure rate Quick pressure %
2022 10.2% 3.8%
2023 7.8% 1.9%
2024 9.7% 2.4%
2025 9.5% 2.9%
2026 7.3% 1.8%
Left guard Donovan Jackson's torn meniscus will make it difficult for the Vikings to sustain this degree of growth. That said, former undrafted signing Joe Huber played well in Week 5 against the Saints.
Fortifying this group could take on many forms. The Vikings could target a bench option who's capable of filling in for Huber, center Blake Brandel or right guard Will Fries. The team could also find a talented player to replace one of its current starters, which would be a more dramatic move but one that could help in the longer term.
Like the first two positions on this list, uncertainty about the future of these spots makes a move here reasonable. Brandel is in the final year of his contract, and Fries' contract for 2027 is not guaranteed until the middle of March.
Potential options: Quinton Nelson, Colts; Tyler Steen, Philadelphia Eagles; Ben Bredeson, Buccaneers; Hjalte Froholdt, Cardinals
Defensive line
Minnesota's defensive dominance this season means there's little need for immediate help. They stop the run on early downs. Their pressure packages confound opposing coordinators and quarterbacks. Coverage multiplicity masks any personnel deficiencies on the back end.
Still, reinforcing any aspect of the group makes sense. Injuries happen, and when they do, teams that rely on their defense as much as the Vikings must have answers.
Rookies Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange have shown flashes. That, though, is vastly different from proving they're worthy of being relied on in crucial games against elite fronts. Defensive tackles Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez have played well above expectations. Their collective workload, though, might not be sustainable.
Adding another versatile defensive tackle to the mix would keep the Vikings from having to turn to Banks or Orange too early. It would also add another asset for defensive coordinator Brian Flores to use in different fronts.
The Vikings typically seek athletic body types with twitchiness. The more familiarity with this complex scheme, the better, so they could be integrated more quickly.
Potential options: Zach Sieler, Miami Dolphins; Daron Payne, Washington Commanders; Moro Ojomo, Eagles; Adetomiwa Adebawore, Colts
Safety
Of the five positions here, safety might be the most far-fetched given its complexity in Flores' system. Mastering the communication on the back end requires hundreds of training camp reps. Without them, it would be tough to expect major production.
The Vikings also have depth in the form of undrafted rookie Jacob Thomas. If Theo Jackson, Josh Metellus or Harrison Smith were to miss time, Thomas has proved to be reliable. Also, the play of cornerback James Pierre has allowed the defense to live in nickel personnel with cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. playing as the slot defender.
Taking a swing will be worth a conversation if players such as Antoine Winfield Jr. or Budda Baker are available. The Vikings would also be smart to think about a contingency plan for Smith in the form of an elite player with blitzing savvy and presnap deciphering chops.
Potential options: Antoine Winfield Jr., Buccaneers; Budda Baker, Cardinals; Dane Belton, New York Jets