- Total Trades: 6
- Average Grade: B (85.5)
This page lists all the 2025 Trades for the Minnesota Vikings. I’ve listed all of the NFL Free Agent Signing Grades here, which included the trades. Because I’ve begun posting polls for the trades, I thought it would make sense to list just the NFL trades here, so archiving the voting would be easier.
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August 2025 – Trades
Vikings acquire WR Adam Thielen from Panthers for late-round pick swap
This has been an offseason of players returning to their original teams. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams signed with the Chargers. Amari Cooper joined the Raiders. Even Brandin Cooks went back to New Orleans. Now, Adam Thielen reunites with the Vikings after several days of trade rumors.
The Vikings needed another receiver. Justin Jefferson is dealing with a hamstring injury, while Jordan Addison is suspended for three games. There’s a chance that the Vikings won’t have either for the opening-week game against the Bears, so acquiring someone like Thielen makes sense. What doesn’t really make sense is what Minnesota surrendered for him. Effectively, the Vikings swapped fifth-round picks across separate years and surrendered a future fourth-round pick. Thielen had a solid 2024 season, but just turned 35. There’s a chance he completely falls off a cliff at his age, though he could also be a solid role player for a team that has serious Super Bowl aspirations.
I’m not a huge fan of this trade for the Panthers either. It’s nice that Carolina obtained a fourth-round pick for an old receiver, but Thielen was Bryce Young’s safety blanket. Young’s development could be hurt by Thielen’s departure. Obviously, the Panthers drafted Tetairoa McMillan, but McMillan has stated that he doesn’t love football, so I’m not overly confident that he’ll live up to expectations.
Grade for Vikings – B-
Grade for Panthers – B-
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Colts acquire CB Mekhi Blackmon from Vikings for 2026 6th-round pick
I’m shocked to see the Vikings discard Mekhi Blackmon like this. Blackmon was an impressive cornerback for them in 2023, but missed last year with a torn ACL. I thought his return would help the defense, but apparently not because he’s been shipped off to the Colts for a sixth-round pick.
Seeing this trade, I wonder if the Colts are getting a lemon. There’s a chance Blackmon is just damaged goods because of the torn ACL, but it’s not like the Colts are risking much. There’s a chance they’ll get a much-needed upgrade at cornerback.
Grade for Colts – A-
Grade for Vikings – C+
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Eagles acquire QB Sam Howell from Vikings for 2026 late-round pick swap, 2027 7th-round pick
This trade seemingly came out of nowhere. The Eagles have acquired Sam Howell to be their new current No. 3 quarterback in exchange for a late-round pick swap and a 2027 seventh-round choice. Effectively, the Vikings are getting that seventh-rounder and are upgrading their sixth-round selection to a fifth-rounder.
Note that I said the Eagles were getting a new “current” No. 3 quarterback. I wrote “current” because they may be trading Tanner McKee soon. Known as the “Irish Assassin,” McKee is one of the best backup quarterbacks in the NFL and is considered a potential starter in some circles. I believe the Eagles will be able to trade him for considerable compensation next offseason, but they could do it at some point this year if another good team suffers an injury to its quarterback. Acquiring Howell in preparation for this potential transaction is a smart move. Also, McKee is currently dealing with a finger injury, so Howell will serve as the No. 2 until McKee is healthy.
The Vikings, meanwhile, did well to obtain something for Howell. They ended up signing Carson Wentz anyway, so they’re upgrading their backup quarterback situation while moving up a round on Day 3.
Grade for Eagles – B+
Grade for Vikings – A-
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April 2025 – Trades
Vikings acquire QB Sam Howell, No. 172 from Seahawks for No. 142
Minnesota’s backup quarterback heading into the draft was Brett Rypien, so the team needed to find a better No. 2 behind J.J. McCarthy. The issue was that the Vikings had just four picks entering the draft. If you’re wondering why the Vikings surrendered one of their four resources to obtain Howell, they didn’t. Instead, they just moved down 30 spots in the middle of Day 3.
I think this is an even trade for both teams. The Vikings get a better backup in Howell, whose potential could finally be realized with Kevin O’Connell. The Seahawks, meanwhile, drafted Jalen Milroe, so they had no need for Howell. Moving up 30 spots for an irrelevant player is a solid move.
Grade for Vikings – B+
Grade for Seahawks – B+
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March 2025 – Trades
Vikings acquire RB Jordan Mason from 49ers for 2026 6th-round pick, swap of 6th-rounders
The 49ers have lost a lot of talent this offseason, and we can add another name to the list. That would be Jordan Mason, who was traded to the Vikings for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a swap of Nos. 160 and 187 this year.
This trade makes so much sense for Minnesota. Aaron Jones is a talented back, but he’s an older player with an extensive injury history. Mason is a big upgrade over Cam Akers and Ty Chandler, and he comes at a very reasonable price.
As for the 49ers, they’ve proven that they can plug and play anyone at running back to make it work. There’s no guarantee that Mason would have beaten out Isaac Guerendo for the No. 2 running back job anyway. This trade makes sense for San Francisco, but Minnesota won the deal.
Grade for Vikings – A
Grade for 49ers – B+
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Texans acquire G Ed Ingram from Vikings for 2026 6th-round pick
C.J. Stroud has not been a happy camper this offseason, as the Texans have gotten rid of three of his starting offensive linemen, including Laremy Tunsil. Perhaps he had broken out of his sad state when he heard that his team acquired a guard, but he’ll revert to being upset once he realizes who it is.
The good news for the Texans is that Ed Ingram is a recent second-round pick, so he has some upside. The bad news is that Ingram has not played well in the NFL. In fact, he was benched last year. I get trading a 2026 sixth-round pick for him, but this deal is unlikely to benefit Houston.
The Vikings win this trade by default. They signed Will Fries, so Ingram was unlikely to make the final roster. It’s nice that they were able to get something for him, even if they have to wait 13 months for the new selection.
Grade for Texans – C+
Grade for Vikings – B+
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