Unexpected Trade Shakes Roster
On Wednesday evening, the Minnesota Vikings traded defensive tackle Harrison Phillips and a 2027 7th-round pick to the New York Jets for a 2026 6th-round pick and a 2027 6th-round pick, pending Phillips’ physical, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Minnesota will cover half of Phillips’ 2025 salary (~$3.5 million), gaining cap relief in 2026. The acquired picks are expected to fuel a future trade.
A Stunning Move
The trade caught fans off guard, as Phillips, a team captain, was not rumored to be available. SI.com’s Will Ragatz noted, “When he missed Wednesday’s practice, it was assumed to be injury-related.” The move signals confidence in Minnesota’s defensive tackle depth, with Phillips deemed expendable. He returns to the AFC East, where he began his career with the Buffalo Bills (2018-21).
Deep Defensive Line
The Vikings’ defensive tackle group includes Jonathan Allen, Javon Hargrave, Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, rookie Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and undrafted standout Elijah Williams, among others. The team will likely keep six or seven on the roster. Fans once saw Phillips as their only reliable defensive tackle, but recent additions made him surplus.
More Trades Coming?
Fantasy Life’s Thor Nystrom tweeted, “Kwesi has been burning up the phone lines — this is only the start of the trades.” With Jalen Nailor’s Week 1 status uncertain and Jordan Addison facing a three-game suspension in 2025, the Vikings are eyeing a wide receiver. Rumored targets include Adam Thielen, Tyreek Hill, Chris Olave, Terry McLaurin, Jakobi Meyers, Trey Palmer, Allen Lazard, and Kendrick Bourne. A cornerback trade is possible but less urgent.
Phillips’ Legacy
Phillips, a beloved leader and community figure, leaves a lasting mark. “He lived up to every inch of his contract(s),” Ragatz wrote. As the NFL moves swiftly, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s bold strategy keeps fans on edge for what’s next.
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