The Minnesota Vikings have had limited salary cap space after they signed some experienced veterans to medium-term contracts a few years back. General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has started the team’s competitive rebuild by releasing or trading several of those veterans that were signed during the Rick Spielman era.

Already purged are linebacker Eric Kendricks, wide receiver Adam Thielen, cornerback Patrick Peterson, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, edge Za’Darius Smith, and now running back Dalvin Cook.

More Cap Space

So, what will Vikings do with all of their newfound wealth? With a current salary cap of $18 million, the team ranks eighth in the NFL in available cap space. But they still have to try and re-sign Pro-Bowl edge Danielle Hunter and save some money for 2024 when they would like to extend tight end T.J. Hokenson’s contract and when they need to re-up superstar receiver Justin Jefferson.

With that said, are there any roster improvements that Minnesota could possibly make before the season starts? Due to their limited cap space, and the fact that most of the big-name free agents have already been signed, Vikings’ fans are unlikely to see any wholesale changes. But they may be able to add a player or two that would give them some depth at some positions of need for the team. Let’s explore a few opportunities that they might pursue.

Vikings First Trade Possibility

Cornerback Mike Jackson, Seattle Seahawks: Mike Jackson came out of nowhere last year to have an outstanding season with the Seahawks. Jackson had been a journeyman corner who had played for four different NFL teams since he was drafted out of the University of Miami by Dallas in the fifth round of the 2019 draft.

He spent most of the 20-21 season on the Seahawks practice squad before breaking into the starting lineup last year. His starting spot looked secure until Seattle selected Illinois stud cornerback Devin Witherspoon with the sixth overall pick in the 2022 draft. With Pro-Bowler Tariq Woolen patrolling the other corner spot, the chance of Jackson retaining a starting position looks dim.

He could contest incumbent Cody Bryant for the nickel position, or he could be traded to another team that needs a veteran cornerback. Enter the Minnesota Vikings. He could start at either the corner position opposite Byron Murphy or in the slot. He would bring a veteran presence to a position group sorely in need of experience. And he is cap friendly, with a 2023 salary of only $940,000. All of this makes him a great fit for the Vikings.

Offensive Line Help

Bills OG Ryan Bates (71) – Duane Burleson/AP Photo

Guard Ryan Bates, Buffalo Bills: Pro Football Focus ranked the Buffalo Bills’ offensive line as the 23rd best in the league. Obviously, with such a low ranking, it was anticipated that the team would make changes to improve that situation. One of those changes was the drafting of Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence in the second round of the 2023 draft. This put incumbent right guard Ryan Bates in danger of losing his starting position.

The Bills might keep Bates around due to his ability to play both guard and center. Or they could look to break up the long jam of interior linemen that are currently on the roster. Bates would provide the Vikings with an upgrade at right guard over the shaky second-year incumbent, Ed Ingram. At the very least, he could provide quality depth to an interior offensive line that has struggled. And his $3.9 million salary could be absorbed by the cap-hungry Vikings.

Vikings Quarterback of the Future

Vikings

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins (8) – USA Today

Quarterback Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers: With the Vikings not tendering Kirk Cousins an extension beyond the 2023 season, the starting quarterback position for the Minnesota Vikings is wide open for the 2024 season and beyond. Clearly, backup QB Nick Mullens will not be a starting option, and sixth-round pick Jaren Hall is still a wild card at best.

The 49ers traded three first-round picks to move up in the 2021 NFL draft to pick Lance with the third overall pick. After a year as Jimmy Garoppolo’s understudy, the starting reins were handed over to Lance at the start of the 2022 campaign. Then disaster struck. In only his fourth career start, he was injured in a game with the Seattle Seahawks and was forced to leave the game. He ended up missing the remainder of the season with a broken fibula and some ligament damage.

Now, Lance, 23, is healthy and ready for another chance to show his worth in the NFL. With Brock Purdy as the probable starting quarterback for San Francisco, Lance might be looking for an opportunity to showcase his talents with another team. There is even talk about a trade with the Vikings for the Minnesota-born Lance in exchange for disgruntled edge Danielle Hunter. Let the rumors begin.

So, those are three trades the Minnesota Vikings could make before the 2023 season begins. Would the team be willing to trade Hunter for their quarterback of the future? Would they be willing to part with any of their seven 2024 draft picks? It will be interesting to see how the team navigates through their improved cap environment.