The Minnesota Vikings' offense has not been at its sharpest through five weeks, and the injuries on the left side of the offensive line have only added urgency. Through five games, the Vikings averaged 21.8 points and 283 total yards per game, and that context is why interior-line help could become a priority before the Nov. 10 NFL trade deadline.
One name to watch is Ben Bredeson. The veteran guard has emerged as a possible Vikings target, with the idea being that Minnesota needs experienced help inside while the line is dealing with uncertainty. Christian Darrisaw entered concussion protocol before the trade deadline discussion, and Donovan Jackson's season ended because of a torn meniscus, leaving the Vikings thin where they can least afford it.
Why Bredeson makes sense
Bredeson is not a mystery player. The 2020 fourth-rounder has appeared in 78 games with 58 starts, giving him the kind of experience a team can trust when it needs a stabilizing option. He has also played in three postseason appearances, so the stage would not be new if Minnesota pushed to add him.
That experience matters for a Vikings team looking for help now, not later. When injuries stack up on the offensive line, teams often look for players who can step in quickly and handle a defined role. Bredeson fits that description better than a developmental move at this point in the season.
What the Buccaneers' record could mean
The other side of the equation is Tampa Bay's situation. The Buccaneers entered Week 6 with a 1-4 record, which could put them in seller's territory as the deadline approaches. If that happens, a veteran lineman with starting experience becomes the kind of player another team can realistically monitor.
There is also a family angle here. Bredeson is the older brother of Vikings rookie fullback Max Bredeson, which does not change the football case, but it does add another layer to the fit if Minnesota decides to explore a move.
For the Vikings, the logic is straightforward: the offense needs more steadiness, the left side of the line has been hit by injuries, and the trade deadline is close enough to make a move worth discussing. Whether anything happens before Nov. 10 remains to be seen, but Bredeson is a name that lines up with a real roster need.
