The Minnesota Vikings trading team captain and starting defensive tackle Harrison Phillips to the New York Jets does not look good in a vacuum.
Phillips started every game the past three seasons for the team since arriving from the Buffalo Bills in 2022 and was considered a foundational player for the new regime under Kevin O'Connell.
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Vikings traded Phillips to the Jets in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick swap, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
The move raised eyebrows across the NFL for what little value the Vikings gained in the deal that was largely a cap-saving move.
"Head scratcher. One hour ago, Phillips was viewed as good enough to start on a very good defense...but only yields a couple of 6ths? And, Phillips is an A+ locker room and community personality," KFXN-FM's Paul Charchian wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "For such a meager return, why not keep him, if only for depth?"
Many Vikings fans shared a similar sentiment for the surprising move, which, as of Thursday afternoon, does not have a subsequent trade to justify its means.
"Man. Really enjoyed Harrison on the Vikes. A+ human too," one fan replied to the newsbreak on X.
Another fan replied: "We'll miss you big dog - go get 'em!
"I think Harrison Phillips is WAAAY better than 2 6th-round picks smh," a third fan said.
"This is such a dumb and confusing trade for the Vikings. Team leader and captain. Solid interior lineman and run stopper. Amazing in the community and locker room," a fourth fan opined. And he's moved for a fricking 6th round pick?? Dumb on Vikes. Great move by the Jets."
While frustrating in the moment, the move, which saved $3.7 million in cap space for the 2025 season and $7.5 million for 2026, sets the stage for a big move in the coming days.
The Vikings have nearly $30 million in cap space to play with after the trade and have concerns at wide receiver. That amount of cap space could be used for several trades or signings that benefit the team both short- and long-term.
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