The past week, all I’ve read regarding the Vikings at the trade deadline was that they’d be making a move. What that move was, was never made clear. A name like Daniel Brunskill was kicked around as one to strengthen their interior offensive line. On defense, it’s been speculated that defensive tackle Adam Butler or corner Greg Newsome II were options. I even saw one outrageous report speculating that Matt Stafford could become QB1 of the Vikings.
While there’s still time as the deadline is a week away, none of those were the moves Minnesota made. This morning, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah landed veteran tackle Cam Robinson. Robinson, who has spent his whole career with Jacksonville, has a PFF grade of 69.4% on the season, has allowed 4 sacks and committed 3 penalties. Despite not lighting the world on fire, Robinson is a solid replacement for Christian Darrisaw. Darrisaw suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the Vikings Thursday night loss to the Rams. Even though there were other options on the roster to play left tackle like veteran David Quessenberry or moving Blake Brandel from guard to tackle, Robinson’s a more sound option.
To acquire Robinson, the Vikings gave up a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick that can become a fourth-rounder based on playing time. Along with Robinson, Minnesota received a conditional 2026 seventh-round pick.
Other Trade Deadline Targets
It’d be no surprise to me if the Vikings made another move before the trade deadline. One of the most active and ambitious GMs in the league is Adofo-Mensah and there are holes on the Vikings roster that need to be filled.
Tennessee Titans IOL Daniel Brunskill
I mentioned Brunskill’s name earlier and I think he’d be a great fit to protect Darnold. I’ve been all in on shipping Garrett Bradbury out of town for a while as he’s a weak run blocker and an even weaker pass protector. This year, Bradbury has a PFF grade of 62.0%, which is 28th out of 32 starting centers. In addition, Bradbury’s played undisciplined committing 6 penalties and allowing 2 sacks. Brunskill may not be Creed Humphrey, but he’s an immediate upgrade from Bradbury. This year, the SDSU alum has a PFF grade of 65.6% and hasn’t committed any penalties or allowed any sacks. With tackle, sort of, figured out, I’d make Brunskill priority one to acquire.
Denver Broncos DT D.J. Jones
One of the Vikings biggest weaknesses on defense is the interior. Harrison Phillips has been serviceable tallying 23 tackles and 2 sacks, but their other options, Jerry Tillery and Taki Taimani have been non-factors. Bringing in Jones, who’s made 17 tackles this season, would be ideal. His 6’0, 305 pound frame makes him stout vs the run. With him being the Broncos starting nose tackle, it’d require giving up possibly a third-round pick. That may sound steep, but with what Jones brings to the table, I’d be happy to give that up.
New England Patriots CB Jonathan Jones
The NFL is in a weird state right now. There are ten teams with two wins or less this year and the New England Patriots are one of them. With how their season is going, they’re more than likely in a tank for Travis Hunter situation. To me, that signifies them shipping out bigger named players for draft compensation. While Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin have played good this year, they’re on one year deals. Jonathan Jones would be a nice defensive back to add as the Vikings prepare for a playoff run as he’s been solid opposite Christian Gonzalez this season racking up 28 tackles and 3 pass breakups.
