In the search of draft capital, Vikings’ Adofo-Mensah eyes prospective trades, Andrew Van Ginkel and two others on the chopping block

The 2025 NFL offseason promises to be an intriguing period for the Minnesota Vikings, as general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks to reshape the roster and strategically position the team for future success. While the Vikings are solidifying their foundation with a mix of established stars and promising young talent, one of the most pressing needs for the team lies in bolstering their draft capital. This year’s draft is expected to be deep in key areas, and Adofo-Mensah is keen to maneuver through trades to secure assets that can help the Vikings build for both the short and long term.

In the search for draft capital, several veterans on the roster are now considered expendable, and their trade value could be critical to the Vikings’ future. Among those on the chopping block are Andrew Van Ginkel, Za’Darius Smith, and Kirk Cousins—all of whom could be used as trade chips to acquire valuable picks in the upcoming draft.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential trades that Adofo-Mensah could explore in order to maximize the Vikings’ draft capital, assess the players who may be on the move, and discuss how these moves could shape the franchise’s trajectory over the next few seasons.

1. The Vikings’ Current Roster Situation: A Need for Draft Capital

The Minnesota Vikings are entering the 2025 offseason with a solid core of players, but there are critical areas that need to be addressed if the team wants to remain competitive in the NFC. With a veteran quarterback in Kirk Cousins, a future Hall of Fame wide receiver in Justin Jefferson, and a potent offense, the team’s primary focus is on enhancing its defense and building depth across the roster.

However, the Vikings’ salary cap situation could restrict the team’s ability to make significant moves in free agency. While they have some flexibility, it’s clear that Adofo-Mensah is looking to create space for a stronger long-term roster through trades. The Vikings could use their draft capital to secure future stars, replenish key areas like the secondary, defensive line, and linebacker corps, and develop talent that can carry the team for years to come.

Adofo-Mensah’s philosophy of value-driven roster construction means he is likely to prioritize adding draft picks—especially ones with early-round value—to the Vikings’ war chest. This could involve parting with players who, while talented, might not fit into the long-term vision of the team or whose trade value is high enough to warrant the move.

2. Andrew Van Ginkel: A Surprising Trade Candidate

One player who could find himself on the move in the search for draft capital is linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel. Van Ginkel, who joined the Vikings as a free agent prior to the 2024 season, has flashed potential as a versatile linebacker capable of contributing both in coverage and as a pass rusher. However, his role on the defense has been inconsistent, and despite his upside, he may not be considered a long-term fit in Minnesota’s evolving defensive scheme.

Van Ginkel’s trade value is likely tied to his potential as a rotational linebacker and pass-rusher, particularly on teams that value depth and flexibility in their linebacker corps. His ability to play multiple positions could make him an attractive option for teams looking to improve their depth at linebacker or edge rusher, particularly those in need of players who can contribute immediately without the need for extensive development.

Teams like the Chicago Bears or Washington Commanders, who have shown a tendency to prioritize defense, could find Van Ginkel’s skill set appealing. In return, the Vikings would likely seek a mid-round pick (third or fourth round) to help bolster their draft capital and continue to build for the future. With Brian Flores now leading the defense as the Vikings’ coordinator, Adofo-Mensah might feel that he can invest in players who better align with Flores’ high-pressure, blitz-heavy scheme—further making Van Ginkel a candidate to be moved.

Given the state of the Vikings’ linebacker group, trading Van Ginkel would also open the door for younger, more athletic linebackers to step up in the rotation, or for the Vikings to add a more traditional three-down linebacker through the draft.

3. Za’Darius Smith: A Veteran Pass Rusher Who Could Bring Significant Draft Capital

Za’Darius Smith, the 2024 Pro Bowl pass rusher, is another veteran who could be on the move. Despite his strong performance in recent years, Smith is a player whose salary might not align with the Vikings’ long-term plans. With the emergence of Danielle Hunter as the team’s primary pass rusher and the potential for younger players to take on larger roles, Smith might find himself as a trade candidate—especially if Adofo-Mensah can secure valuable draft assets in return.

Smith, who is 32 years old and still plays at a high level, is a player who could be coveted by a contender looking to add a proven pass rusher to their defensive line. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, or Buffalo Bills, who are all looking to reinforce their defenses for another Super Bowl push, could be interested in acquiring a player like Smith. These teams would view Smith as a veteran presence capable of making an immediate impact on their defensive front.

Given his contract, Smith would likely bring a high draft pick in return—potentially a second- or third-round selection. If the Vikings are able to capitalize on his value in a trade, they could use the picks to address their defensive needs, including adding an elite edge rusher, bolstering their secondary, or improving their linebacker corps.

4. Kirk Cousins: A Risky But Possible Trade Chip

While it may seem unthinkable to trade Kirk Cousins, the Vikings’ longtime starting quarterback, it remains a possibility in the search for draft capital. Cousins, who is entering the final years of his contract, is no longer in the team’s long-term plans, especially given the emergence of Jaren Hall as a potential future starting quarterback. Additionally, the financial implications of Cousins’ contract could make him expendable if Adofo-Mensah wants to free up cap space for future roster moves.

If the Vikings choose to trade Cousins, they would likely need to find a team that’s either in need of an experienced quarterback or a playoff contender looking to add a steady veteran presence at the position. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, or Tennessee Titans could be among the most logical destinations for Cousins, especially as they continue to address their quarterback situations.

In this scenario, the Vikings would seek at least a second-round pick and potentially additional assets to help solidify their roster in the years ahead. While trading Cousins would be a bold move and one that would require a significant amount of planning, Adofo-Mensah is not one to shy away from bold decisions that will help the team’s long-term outlook.

The value that a team like the Jets could offer (such as a mid-round pick) might be enough to justify a deal, especially if it means the Vikings could then use the draft capital to secure a young quarterback to develop behind Hall.

5. Why Trade These Veterans? The Bigger Picture

The rationale behind trading these veterans is simple: it’s about building long-term sustainability. The Vikings have a solid core of players, but their roster is aging in key positions. Moving on from players like Van Ginkel, Smith, and potentially Cousins could allow Adofo-Mensah to bring in younger, more cost-effective players through the draft, thereby replenishing the team’s talent pipeline.

The Vikings, currently sitting in the middle of a competitive NFC, are not far from Super Bowl contention, but they need to make the right moves to avoid stagnation. Instead of relying on aging veterans, Adofo-Mensah could invest in younger players who can contribute over the long term and build a more sustainable foundation for the future.

Additionally, trading these players would give the Vikings more flexibility under the salary cap. With the increasing cost of top-tier players, the ability to clear cap space for future moves (including re-signing key stars like Justin Jefferson) will be crucial. The goal is to maintain a competitive roster while also building for sustained success over the next several seasons.

6. Potential Trade Packages: What Could the Vikings Receive?

In order to maximize their return, the Vikings will have to carefully negotiate with teams looking to make moves. Here’s what a potential trade could look like for each player on the chopping block:

• Andrew Van Ginkel: A third- or fourth-round pick, potentially from a team looking to bolster its linebacker depth.
• Za’Darius Smith: A second- or third-round pick, plus potentially a late-round pick in 2026. Teams with playoff aspirations will look at Smith as a potential missing piece.
• Kirk Cousins: A second-round pick and possibly a conditional pick based on Cousins’ performance with his new team. Teams that need a quarterback immediately could offer more, depending on the demand for veterans at the position.

 A Strategic Offseason for Adofo-Mensah

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has made it clear that he values smart, calculated decisions when it comes to managing the Vikings’ roster and cap space. As the team continues to look ahead to the future, parting ways with veterans like Andrew Van Ginkel, Za’Darius Smith, and even Kirk Cousins could be pivotal in acquiring the draft capital necessary to ensure long-term

success.

Through these moves, Adofo-Mensah could position the Vikings to not only be competitive in 2025 but also to continue building a sustainable, championship-caliber roster for the years to come. If the Vikings can execute these trades effectively, they’ll have the draft capital necessary to fill key holes and solidify their roster, potentially turning a talented team into a perennial Super Bowl contender.