Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell looks on in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Vikings Linked to Potential Sleeper Running Back Trade 1
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the only unbeaten teams left in the NFL entering Week 7 action. Coming off of their bye week, Kevin O’Connell’s team will face off against the Indianapolis Colts at home on Sunday afternoon.
So far this season, the Vikings have looked the part of a legitimate contender in the NFC. Their defense has been playing at a very high level under the leadership of coordinator Brian Flores. Offensively, Minnesota has done enough to win, but improvement is needed.
Kyler Murray has played solid football to begin his tenure with the Vikings. The running game has been solid with Aaron Jones leading the charge.
That being said, there has been speculation that Minnesota could consider adding running back depth.
Keeping that in mind, a sleeper trade target has been suggested for the Vikings to consider.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Minnesota Vikings Linked to Potential Sleeper Running Back Trade
The Athletic recently released a new big board of 50 potential trade candidates before the November 10 deadline. When it came to Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell, Minnesota was brought up as one of the potential suitors.
Gainwell could be a hot commodity on the trade market if the Buccaneers make him available. Outside of the Vikings, the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Detroit Lions were all mentioned as possible destinations.
“Gainwell left the Steelers in free agency to sign a two-year, $14 million deal with the Bucs. He has $3 million in guaranteed salary in 2027, so an acquiring team would be committing some money next season,” The Athletic wrote.
“They could, in theory, cut Gainwell and just wear that as dead money. The Bucs would not take on any dead money in 2027 if they traded Gainwell, who is a very effective receiver and potential third-down back in a rotation.”
This season with Tampa Bay, Gainwell has played in six games. He has carried the football 19 times for 61 yards, while also catching 12 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. Back in the 2025 campaign with the Steelers, the 27-year-old running back picked up 537 yards and scored five touchdowns on 114 carries. He also chipped in with 73 receptions for 486 yards and three more scores.
Only time will tell what the Vikings choose to do before the upcoming NFL trade deadline. Gainwell is a name worth monitoring if Minnesota decides to upgrade its running back room.
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