The Minnesota Vikings have been widely viewed as a prime trade-down candidate for several weeks now. After trading up twice in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft to secure quarterback J.J. McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner, the team is left with just four total picks. While there’s no regret over those aggressive moves, the lack of draft capital could prompt the Vikings to consider moving back in the upcoming draft.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently identified Minnesota as the top trade-down candidate in the 2025 NFL Draft, citing their limited draft assets: a first-rounder, a third-rounder, Cleveland’s fifth-round pick, and San Francisco’s sixth-round pick.
“The Vikings are the most obvious trade-down candidate in the 2025 NFL Draft,” PFF noted. “Even after making impactful additions on both sides of the line in free agency, having only four picks is far from ideal. The No. 24 overall pick gives them the best opportunity to gain more draft capital.”
There are several potential trade partners late in the first round—such as the Chiefs (No. 31), Bills (No. 30), or Commanders (No. 29)—who could be looking to move up. If the Vikings are open to sliding further, they could explore deals with early second-round teams like the Browns (No. 33) or Giants (No. 34).
Ultimately, the further Minnesota is willing to trade down, the greater the return could be for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his staff.
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