This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings may trade for players like Harrison Smith, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook, and Kirk Cousins.

The Minnesota Vikings enter the 2025 offseason in an intriguing position. The franchise has had its share of highs and lows in recent seasons, with flashes of excellence but also a few glaring weaknesses. As they look to the future and attempt to strengthen their roster, one potential path to improvement is through trades. With a mix of veteran talent and emerging young stars, the Vikings could make moves to reshape their team in the offseason. As such, there are several key players who could be traded, either to free up cap space, acquire draft capital, or make way for younger players to step into prominent roles. Here are four Vikings players who could be traded this offseason:

1. Kirk Cousins – Quarterback

Kirk Cousins has been the face of the Minnesota Vikings’ offense for several years, but his future with the team is uncertain. While Cousins has been statistically productive, the Vikings have struggled to win the big games, especially in the postseason. This has led some analysts and fans to question whether Minnesota is truly committed to him as the long-term answer at quarterback.

Cousins has shown himself to be a capable and often impressive quarterback, but his limitations have become more apparent in key moments. Despite posting solid numbers throughout the regular season, Cousins has struggled in high-pressure situations, particularly in the playoffs. His inability to elevate his game in those moments has led to playoff disappointments for the Vikings, prompting the franchise to evaluate whether they can do better at the position.

For the Vikings, trading Cousins could be an opportunity to move in a new direction. His trade value may not be as high as it was earlier in his career, but he is still a serviceable quarterback who could be appealing to teams in need of a veteran leader. The Vikings could potentially acquire draft picks or players that better fit their long-term vision for the team.

Additionally, Cousins’ contract could be a motivating factor for a trade. He has one more year on his deal, and his cap hit for the 2025 season is substantial. Moving on from Cousins would free up much-needed cap space that could be reinvested into other areas of the roster, such as the defense or offensive line.

The Vikings would likely face some challenges in finding a trade partner for Cousins, particularly since teams looking for a quarterback may want a player who can potentially lead them to a Super Bowl. However, with the right trade scenario, Minnesota could move on from Cousins and give a younger quarterback, or potentially a more mobile signal-caller, a chance to take over.

2. Dalvin Cook – Running Back

Dalvin Cook is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL and has been a central figure in the Vikings’ offense for several years. However, there are growing questions about Cook’s future in Minnesota, particularly in light of his significant contract and the emergence of Alexander Mattison as a viable backup and starter.

Cook has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, and although he remains one of the most explosive players in the league when healthy, the Vikings may want to move on from the veteran to clear cap space. Cook’s contract is one of the largest on the team, and with the NFL’s shift toward passing offenses, teams may see the running back position as less of a priority than it once was.

Despite these concerns, Cook still has plenty of value on the open market. He is a dynamic runner with elite vision, speed, and the ability to break tackles. His ability to contribute in the passing game also adds to his appeal as a three-down back. As teams continue to look for offensive playmakers, Cook could still command a strong return in a trade, particularly from a contender looking for a proven workhorse in the backfield.

Additionally, Cook’s trade value could be enhanced if the Vikings decide to go with a more committee-based backfield moving forward. While Mattison has had his struggles, the Vikings could use him as the primary back in 2025, especially if they add another running back through the draft or free agency. By trading Cook, Minnesota could create opportunities for younger players while freeing up money to address other areas of need, such as the defense or offensive line.

Cook’s trade would likely not be a straightforward move, as the Vikings would have to balance the short-term need for a top running back with the long-term benefits of cap flexibility and roster changes. However, with Cook approaching his 30s and with the emergence of other talent in the backfield, a trade seems increasingly likely.

3. Adam Thielen – Wide Receiver

Adam Thielen is a beloved figure in Minnesota, having been with the Vikings since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He has been one of the team’s most productive and reliable wide receivers, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and developing a strong rapport with Kirk Cousins. However, as Thielen gets older and with the emergence of Justin Jefferson as the team’s clear number one receiver, his future in Minnesota may be in jeopardy.

Thielen is no longer the elite receiver he once was, though he still has the ability to make key plays and contribute in the red zone. But as he ages and with his salary continuing to climb, the Vikings may be ready to move on from him to both clear cap space and provide opportunities for younger receivers to step up.

The Vikings have a solid receiving corps beyond Thielen, including Jefferson, K.J. Osborn, and Jalen Nailor, all of whom offer speed and dynamic playmaking ability. With those younger players emerging as potential contributors, Thielen’s role in the offense could be reduced further in the 2025 season.

While Thielen is unlikely to command the same trade value that he once would have, he could still be an attractive option for teams in need of a veteran receiver with leadership qualities. Teams with Super Bowl aspirations, in particular, may find Thielen’s experience and route-running ability valuable as a complementary piece. Moving on from Thielen would give the Vikings more financial flexibility and allow them to focus on developing their younger receiving talent.

4. Harrison Smith – Safety

Harrison Smith is another long-time Viking who has been a cornerstone of the team’s defense for nearly a decade. A multiple-time Pro Bowler, Smith has been one of the best safeties in the NFL over the course of his career. However, Smith is entering the twilight of his career, and his play has shown signs of decline in recent seasons.

As the Vikings look to reshape their defense, moving on from Smith could be part of a broader effort to rebuild. Smith’s contract is significant, and while he can still contribute as a solid player in coverage and as a hard-hitting safety, his age and the emergence of younger players in the secondary may prompt the Vikings to explore a trade.

For teams looking for a veteran safety to bolster their secondary, Smith could be an attractive option. While he may not be as dominant as he was in his prime, he still offers leadership and high football IQ. His ability to cover tight ends, play in the box, and make key tackles would make him valuable to a team looking for depth at the safety position.

For the Vikings, trading Smith could be a move to both clear cap space and allow younger safeties, such as Lewis Cine, to take on a more prominent role. With the defense needing significant upgrades in other areas, especially on the defensive line and at cornerback, freeing up money by trading Smith could help the Vikings address other needs.