With the NFL Trade Deadline approaching, The Athletic shares their ‘Big Board.’

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— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) October 22, 2026

Lunchbreak: The Athletic Rolls Out 'Big Board' Before NFL Trade Deadline

Ears around the NFL are perking up as the Nov. 10 trade deadline gets closer.

Returning from its bye this week, Minnesota has games versus Indianapolis, at Detroit and against Buffalo before final calls are conducted. Head Coach Kevin O'Connell and General Manager Nolan Teasley are working daily to build the best 70-man roster (including 17 practice squaders) for this iteration of the Vikings, and they're open to doing business if it helps the organization in the short term.

It must make sense for the long term, as well, and O'Connell on Wednesday noted the importance of protecting draft capital so that Teasley can put his imprint on the future.

"I know he's really excited about where we're at as a team right now, but if there's a chance for us to get better, if there's a chance for us to improve our team, we're going to have those conversations; we have and we will continue to as that deadline kind of approaches," O'Connell said. "But also — it feels crazy to say this as the coach — I want to make sure that we're as smart as possible just because I have so much confidence in what that group and Nolan, specifically, are going to be able to do when it comes time to add to our team in the offseason."

That delicate balancing act is integral to sustained success and pursuit of championships. It's why there's so much intrigue during this part of the calendar, and why it's valuable to be aware of which teams may be buyers or sellers and what players are possible targets or fits.

Daniel Popper of The Athletic added to the buildup with a "Big Board" of players he thinks are candidates to be traded. His ranking included 50 in total from 15 different clubs. We grouped them by position and highlighted the ones Popper identified as fits for the Vikings.

Defensive line (10): Jeffery Simmons; DeForest Buckner; Vita Vea; Moro Ojomo; Daron Payne; Grover Stewart; Roy Lopez; Zach Sieler; A'Shawn Robinson; Dalvin Tomlinson

EDGE (10): Tuli Tuipulotu; Alex Highsmith; Khalil Mack; Josh Sweat; YaYa Diaby; Will McDonald IV; Nolan Smith; K'Lavon Chaisson; Jermaine Johnson II; Dorance Armstrong, Jr.

Wide receiver (7): Josh Downs; Jauan Jennings; Chris Godwin; Jerry Jeudy; Calvin Ridley; Brian Thomas, Jr.; Joshua Palmer

Running back (5): Jonathan Taylor; Alvin Kamara; Kenny Gainwell; Tyjae Spears; Tony Pollard

Safety (5): Derwin James; Amani Hooker; Budda Baker; Elijah Molden; Andre Cisco

Cornerback (4): Amik Robertson; Riq Woolen; Donte Jackson; Nahshon Wright

Linebacker (4): Jordyn Brooks; Daiyan Henley; Cody Barton; Troy Dye

Offensive line (3): Quenton Nelson; Landon Dickerson; Ben Bredeson

Quarterback (1): Mac Jones

Tight end (1): Dallas Goedert

We should note that Popper included Jauan Jennings as a fit for his former team, San Francisco, which has suffered a string of injuries at the WR position. There is no indication, however, that Minnesota wants to part ways with Jennings, who has played well in the run phase; coaches and teammates believe he is on the cusp of a breakout in the pass game.

Click here to dive into Popper's story and read about the 14 players he linked to Minnesota.