2 best players Vikings must trade for in 2025 NFL offseason

The Minnesota Vikings have their man in the head coach spot — even though Kevin O’Connell joined Dan Campbell as meme fodder. However, if the Vikings are going to soar in 2025, here are the two best players they must trade for in the offseason.

It turned out to be a great regular season for the Vikings, but the last two games left a flat aftertaste. They got shipwrecked by the Lions in a 31-9 decision with the No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line. Then they got butted by the Rams in a thorough 27-9 whipping in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.

So there have to be changes. With starting cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquil Griffin landing in the free-agency ranks, along with nickel corner Byron Murphy Jr., the Vikings must address their secondary. And there is a veteran they could target if they plan to be “all in” for a Super Bowl run.

Vikings need to trade for Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu

Yes, he’s 32 years old, and the 12-year veteran has already seen his best playing days. In 2024, his Pro Football Focus overall grade of 60.5 is the worst of his career. Included in the mix is his worst-ever coverage grade (57.8) and his 51.2 pass-rushing mark.

He’s a little expensive at $11.3 million against the cap next season. But he’s the type of veteran that Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores could squeeze out plenty of prodcution.

Earlier this season, Saints head coach Darren Rizzi said positive things about Mathieu, according to neworleanssaints.com.

“I thought Honey Badger (Mathieu), his interception at the end of the game is maybe the biggest play of the game,” Rizzi said of the Saints win over the Falcons. “We started to lose some momentum there a little bit. And it’s not a surprise to anybody who’s from this area and has followed his career, that he’s making big plays and big moments in the game.”