Vikings’ Possible Trade Scenarios for Sauce, Williams, and Shaheed
The Minnesota Vikings did not engage in any trades leading up to the NFL trade deadline, despite speculation about potential blockbuster deals. Key players from other teams were moved, revealing the market value for cornerback Sauce Gardner, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, and wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. Understanding these trade scenarios poses an interesting look at what could have been for the Vikings.
Potential Trade Scenarios for the Vikings
Acquiring Sauce Gardner
In a significant move, the Indianapolis Colts traded two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027, along with wide receiver AD Mitchell, to acquire Sauce Gardner from the New York Jets. Gardner is the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL and represents a franchise cornerstone.
- Draft Picks: 2026 first-round, 2027 first-round
- Player: Jalen Nailor (comparison to AD Mitchell)
If the Vikings entered a similar deal, they would likely need to offer two first-round picks and potentially include Jalen Nailor, their No. 3 receiver, who is due for free agency after this season.
Trade for Quinnen Williams
The Dallas Cowboys secured Quinnen Williams from the Jets by trading their 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 first-round pick, and defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Williams is under contract until 2027, with an average salary of $24 million, making him one of the top paid players in his position.
- Draft Picks: 2026 second-round, 2027 first-round
- Player: Dallas Turner (comparison to Mazi Smith)
A comparable package from the Vikings could involve their 2026 second-round pick, a first-round pick in 2027, and a talented player like Dallas Turner, who was the 18th overall pick in the 2024 draft. This deal would carry a significant price tag for acquiring a premier defender.
Gaining Rashid Shaheed
The Seattle Seahawks traded fourth and fifth-round picks in 2026 to acquire Rashid Shaheed from the New Orleans Saints. Shaheed is positioned to become a free agent after the season, making him a short-term asset.
- Draft Picks: 2026 fifth-round, 2027 fourth-round
- Alternative: 2026 third-round pick
The Vikings do not have a fourth-round pick in 2026, so they would potentially need to offer a fifth-round pick in 2026 along with a fourth in 2027 to secure Shaheed. This approach signifies parting with mid-round selections for a limited-time player.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings’ lack of trades stands in contrast to the activity surrounding other teams. While hypothetical scenarios paint an intriguing picture, nothing materialized. The figures associated with Gardner, Williams, and Shaheed indicate a landscape where strategic investments in young talent could reshape the team’s future.
