NFL Trade Scouting: 3 Games to Watch if the Minnesota Vikings Turn into Buyers

NFL: Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings — Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

At the very least, the sparkling 5-0 record creates the possibility. The Minnesota Vikings can be buyers at the 2026 NFL trade deadline due to boasting a chance at doing something special.

So, there are some games to monitor.

Most Vikings players aren’t thinking about football. Or, at least, they’re away from the field, refreshing body and mind in preparation for what is promising to be one of those fascinating seasons in the Twin Cities. Keep an on these three games to see if the losing continues, increasing the chance of Minnesota being able to acquire a talent as a result.

A Minnesota Vikings Game Guide

Game No. 1 — Titans at Colts | Sunday, October 18th at 12:00 p.m.

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (1) throws the ball to Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (20) during a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium, Sep 27, 2026, East Rutherford, NJ, USA. – Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Tennessee’s veteran runner Tony Pollard appears to be the desired option for a lot of Vikings folks. No doubt, making an add at running back makes sense, so the Pollard dot connecting is reasonable.

DT Jeffery Simmons is probably untouchable, but he’s an elite defensive tackle who would somehow make the Vikings even more fearsome up front. Any other players on that Titans team worth pursuing?

Game No. 2 — Chargers at Chiefs | Sunday, October 18th at 3:25 p.m.

NFL: Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers — Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) stands in the pocket from the end zone against the Houston Texans during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack is in the rumors. So is Justin Herbert (keep dreaming). Neither are likely for the Vikings.

However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that 2026 isn’t going to pan out for the Chargers. To my eye, cleaning house among the coaches makes far more sense than moving on from Mr. Herbert, but sometimes NFL teams do funny things.

Could Derwin James become an option? Minnesota hasn’t yet proven overly formidable at safety. Brian Flores would be doing cartwheels if he could get a safety as good as James.

Game No. 3 — Commanders at 49ers | Monday, October 19th at 7:15 p.m.

Commanders mascot in 2023 — Sep 24, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders mascot Tuddy takes the field against the Buffalo Bills at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Daronte Jones, a Brian Flores disciple, is the DC in Washington. Being able to pry away a defender from the Commanders would mean snagging someone who could likely acclimate well to life in Minnesota.

At 1-3-1, the Commanders are going nowhere. Washington appears to have come back down to earth, proving to still be Washington even though Dan Snyder has (mercifully) been shown the door. Keep an eye on Washington. Over on PurplePTSD, there’s a mention of Jacory Croskey-Merritt as a runner who makes sense.

Depending on how things go at receiver, could Terry McLaurin be stolen away? Scary Terry has always deserved better than what the Commanders can offer.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.