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After an impressive 14-3 regular season in 2024, the Minnesota Vikings entered the playoffs with high hopes, only to suffer a crushing Wild Card Round defeat. Sure, their offense, guided by head coach Kevin O’Connell, delivered plenty of explosive moments. However, defensive shortcomings proved to be their downfall when it mattered most. Now, with the 2025 NFL offseason in full swing, Minnesota must take bold steps to strengthen its roster and push for a deeper playoff run.
A Year of Promise, A Painful Ending
Despite a heartbreaking finish, the Vikings’ 2024 campaign was one of their strongest in years. That was a remarkable feat considering their highly touted rookie quarterback never saw the field.
Minnesota was in contention for the NFC’s No. 1 seed deep into the season. However, a humbling regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions exposed cracks in their armor. That momentum carried into the postseason, where the Vikings suffered an early exit at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams. Sam Darnold, who had played well for most of the year, struggled significantly in back-to-back games. This left the team with more questions than answers at quarterback.
Yet, even with that disappointing conclusion, the Vikings are well-positioned for sustained success. Both head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have secured contract extensions. This ensures continuity in leadership. Additionally, the core of the roster will return next season, keeping the team competitive in the NFC.
The biggest looming decision? The quarterback position. Darnold, despite his late-season struggles, showed enough promise to warrant consideration for another season under center. However, the Vikings could also pivot to JJ McCarthy. He's the rookie who was originally slated to start before a knee injury sidelined him for the year.
Regardless of who takes the snaps in 2025, the Vikings’ future remains bright. With the right offseason moves—starting with upgrading their defensive line—Minnesota can take the next step in its pursuit of a championship.
Here we'll try to identify the perfect trade that the Minnesota Vikings must try to complete in the 2025 NFL offseason.
Offseason Outlook
The Vikings have several avenues to strengthen their roster this offseason. With multiple free agents set to hit the open market, they must not only replace departing players but also improve key areas to build on their 2024 success.
Last season, the Vikings proved they are a legitimate contender. They were powered by one of the league’s best coaching staffs. Their strong performance could make them a serious player in the trade market. This is especially true with a solid salary cap situation that allows room for a major acquisition.
Defensively, Minnesota has few glaring weaknesses. That said, adding another young cover corner to complement Byron Murphy Jr could elevate their secondary to elite status. The Vikings thrive on physical, man-to-man corners, and Cleveland’s Martin Emerson has demonstrated the ability to fit that mold. Meanwhile, DeForest Buckner would provide the dominant presence on the interior that the Vikings currently lack.
Why Target DeForest Buckner
Minnesota has lacked an elite defensive tackle since Kevin Williams. He last played for the franchise over a decade ago. Addressing this long-standing void should be a priority. As such, acquiring Buckner would be a game-changing move for the defense.
For all the Vikings’ success last season, they struggled to generate pressure from the interior. With Jonathan Bullard and Jerry Tillery set to become free agents, the team needs a reliable force on the inside. Buckner, despite being 30 years old, remains one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the league. In just 12 games with the Indianapolis Colts last season, he recorded 6.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss. This proves he is still a major factor in the trenches.
What Would It Take to Land Buckner?
Landing a player of Buckner’s caliber won’t come without a cost, but it’s a move the Vikings can realistically afford. The Colts are undergoing a transition phase centered around third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. If Indianapolis opts to prioritize draft capital and younger talent over veteran contracts, they may be willing to entertain a trade offer for Buckner.
Vikings Receive:
DL DeForest Buckner
2025 fifth-round pick
2025 sixth-round pick
Colts Receive:
2025 third-round pick
2026 fifth-round pick
A deal structured around a 2025 third-round selection and a mid-round pick in 2026 would allow the Colts to gain valuable assets for the future while immediately strengthening Minnesota’s defensive front.
How Buckner Would Transform the Vikings' Defense
If Minnesota successfully acquires Buckner, his impact would be felt across the entire defense. His ability to collapse the pocket would elevate the pass rush. His presence in the middle would force opposing offenses to adjust their blocking schemes. This should create more opportunities for Minnesota’s front seven to make plays.
Beyond the pass rush, Buckner would be a major asset against the run. The Vikings struggled at times last season to contain powerful rushing attacks. Buckner’s size, strength, and ability to shed blocks would immediately solidify Minnesota’s interior defense, making it much tougher for opponents to dictate the game’s tempo on the ground.
A Move That Must Be Made
The Minnesota Vikings are in a prime position to contend, but they must capitalize on their current window by addressing key weaknesses. Trading for DeForest Buckner would provide the dominant interior presence they’ve lacked for years, instantly improving both their pass rush and run defense. While parting with draft capital is a tough pill to swallow, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost. With a stacked offense, a strong coaching staff, and a defense on the verge of elite status, the Vikings need to make bold moves to solidify their Super Bowl aspirations. If they want to take the next step, acquiring Buckner is the move that could make all the difference.
