The Minnesota Vikings are 5-0 and reportedly ready to be aggressive at the trade deadline. Who should they target? That’s the question driving the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, where host Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano fired up the brand-new A to Z Sports Trade Simulator to break down every realistic target — from DeForest Buckner to Saquon Barkley to Cam Bynum.
“If the Vikings want to truly make a Super Bowl run they should make a couple of trades and fortify the roster,” Forness said, pointing to past champions like the 2021 Rams adding Odell Beckham Jr. and the Seahawks acquiring Rashid Shaheed as proof that late-season additions matter. GM Nolan Teasley comes from an aggressive organization and has been calling around. “We’ve heard Nolan Teasley’s calling around,” Forness noted. “All the beat reporters like the Vikings are going to add people.”
Key points from the episode:
- DeForest Buckner is the #1 target. “I think the number one player I wanna bring in of anybody that I think could realistically be available is DeForest Buckner,” Forness said. Beyond the playoff push, he sees Buckner as a developmental mentor for rookie Caleb Banks due to their similar builds (6’6″+, 34-35″ arms) and leverage techniques. Likely cost: a third-round pick plus a token sixth.
- Justin Herbert doesn’t fit. Despite tantalizing arm talent, Forness has major concerns: “I have concerns that he doesn’t fit this offense.” He questioned whether three first-round picks is worth it for a QB thriving in Sean Payton/Joe Lombardi systems, not Kevin O’Connell’s anticipatory West Coast offense.
- Quenton Nelson is a risky rental. Stefano noted Nelson is “the fourth-ranked guard in PFF right now” and “a Pro Bowl guard,” but Forness pushed back on spending two thirds for a 30-year-old rental when Donovan Jackson is expected back for the playoffs.
- Jonathan Taylor carries too much tread. With 2,599 carries since college vs. Jordan Mason’s 859, Forness cautioned: “Tread on the tires matters with running backs. It, we don’t want it to, but it does.” Likely cost: a second-round pick.
- Cam Bynum reunion makes sense. With Theo Jackson struggling, Forness explained: “This is a PhD level defense where rookies don’t often get a lot of playing time.” Bynum already knows Brian Flores’ system, eliminating the learning curve. Proposed deal: a third, a fifth, and Theo Jackson for Bynum and a fourth.
- Saquon Barkley is within reach. A third-round pick plus a fifth could land the Eagles star, creating a devastating trio with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason.
- Pass rush is the priority. “Pass rush, defensive line, I think that should be the priority,” Forness said, noting Jalen Redmond, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner are all playing 80-90% of snaps.
- Kevin O’Connell isn’t going anywhere. “You are not going to find better as a head coach if you fire him,” Forness said bluntly.
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Whether it’s Buckner anchoring the defensive line, Bynum steadying the secondary, or a surprise running back addition, the Vikings have the capital and urgency to make a Super Bowl push. For the full breakdown with trade simulator point values, salary analysis, and player comparisons, watch The Real Forno Show — a Minnesota Vikings podcast from Vikings 1st & SKOL on the Bleav Network. Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano deliver the most comprehensive trade deadline analysis in the Vikings ecosystem.
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So here’s a question for you:
Which trade target would you prioritize, and would you give up the draft capital to get it done?