There’s been plenty of talk about the Detroit Lions potentially moving up in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders emerging as likely trade partners. However, one team that hadn’t crossed my mind until now is the Minnesota Vikings, a team with which the Lions have had a successful trading history.
Lions GM Brad Holmes and Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have built a strong rapport, previously collaborating on the T.J. Hockenson trade, which saw the Lions acquire Terrion Arnold and other assets while the Vikings landed J.J. McCarthy. Additionally, they executed a deal in 2022 that allowed the Lions to move up to the 12th overall pick to draft Jameson Williams, with the Lions also securing Josh Paschal in the process. The Vikings, while not as fortunate with Lewis Cine, gained multiple draft picks from that exchange.
This year, however, the Vikings are in a tight spot with only four total picks, and those selections are spread out. A trade-down with the Lions could be a smart move for them to maximize their draft capital.
Potential Trade Scenario:
- Lions receive: 24th pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick
- Vikings receive: 28th pick and 102nd pick
In this scenario, the Lions move up four spots, passing two teams—Baltimore and Houston—that have similar needs. The Ravens, looking for a guard and edge rusher, could snatch a player the Lions are eyeing before they can pick at 28. Meanwhile, the Texans may target an offensive lineman or receiver, two positions the Lions are also focused on.
For the Vikings, this trade provides a fifth pick, giving them the flexibility to either trade down again for more picks or stay at 28 and potentially land their running back of the future. This trade scenario works out well for both teams, providing value and strategic opportunities.
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