Sports
Wild Jalen Carter Trade Theory Hits the Vikings Rumor Mill
The Minnesota Vikings usually make at least one trade each summer, and sometimes more. According to NFL writer Wynston Wilcox, the purple team could swing for the fences this go-around, doing additional business with the Philadelphia Eagles after the Jonathan Greenard trade by finalizing a deal for defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
The idea is quite zany, considering Minnesota’s investment in two rookie defensive tackles, but a take is a take.
Vikings DT Plan Makes the Idea Unlikely
Wilcox: Vikings Should Be on Carter Trade List
Wilcox of FanSided suggested a 2nd- and 5th-Round pick would push the deal over the finish line for the Vikings and also mentioned the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders as alternate destinations.
He explained from Minnesota’s standpoint, “The Vikings don’t really have any player they could give up in a deal that wouldn’t gash this roster, so they’ll have to resort to draft capital, which could be a hefty price to pay. Jalen Hurts and the Eagles are at odds a bit, but he doesn’t have a potential out in his contract until 2028, according to Spotrac.”
“That means a move for J.J. McCarthy just wouldn’t make too much sense right now. The Vikings don’t really have receiver depth either, so they’re stuck with giving up draft capital to land Carter. That said, he’s a beast and would instantly make this defensive line better.”
Carter is a Top 10 defensive tackle in the NFL right now.
“They went the young route, releasing Javon Hargrave and then trading Jonathan Allen to the Cincinnati Bengals. They drafted Domonique Orange and Caleb Banks as their future, but adding Carter would ensure they stay in championship contention,” Wilcox continued.
As a point of clarification, Allen wasn’t traded. The veteran was a post-June 1st cut who opted for the Bengals as a free agent.
“When you want stars on your team, it’s costly, but the Vikings can’t ignore how big of an addition Carter would be.”
The Vikings Have Their Version of Carter: Caleb Banks
Minnesota drafted Banks — somewhat shockingly — in Round 1 three months ago to be their Carter. Swinging a deal for Carter may not inherently put Banks on the back burner, but it would crowd the position, especially for a team that just used 1st-Round draft capital on a high-profile defensive tackle.
Meanwhile, the Vikings also employ Jalen Redmond, who has fully blossomed as a long-term, startable interior defensive lineman. Adding Carter would presumably demote Redmond; either that — or Banks wouldn’t get much playing time because you can’t trade for Carter and bench Carter.
In short, Minnesota has hope for a Carter of its own; it’s Banks.
Just Not Enough Space for the Investment
Between signing Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave last year (later released), cultivating Redmond since 2024, and drafting Banks, along with 3rd-Round defensive tackle Domonique Orange, Minnesota has adequately addressed a long-ignored DT position. It’s great that Carter would be in play for the Vikings, but the timing is off.
Minnesota should focus on developing its current defensive tackles rather than trading 2nd-Round capital for an established veteran.
For example, if the new general manager is desperate to sell 2nd-Round draft picks, defensive tackle should be low on his list. DT might even be the deepest position on the depth chart.
Other Logical Trade Options
Pretend Teasley is looking to wheel and deal, aspiring to go all-in right now, like the Los Angeles Rams. He might choose to get rich at one of the following positions — not defensive tackle:
- Running Back
- Outside Linebacker
- Cornerback
Instead of trading for Carter, Minnesota could theoretically debate whether Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders is worth the squeeze of two 1st-Rounders. It’s probably more valuable for Minnesota to hang on to its picks, but Crosby would arguably have a greater impact than Carter.
Teasley, too, could just keep his draft picks. No one would be too upset about it.
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