The Minnesota Vikings made what was their most surprising move of the summer, and they’re likely not done making moves yet.
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Vikings traded team captain Harrison Phillips, who started every game the past three seasons for Minnesota, to the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick and a swap of picks in 2027, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Phillips’ trade comes as a surprise after he signed a contract extension with the team a year ago. However, with Pro Bowl newcomers Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen signed in March, the defensive line is a strength for the Vikings, who decided they could afford to let Phillips go.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, the move clears $3.7 million in cap space for the 2025 season and $7.5 million for 2026, setting up the potential for a bigger move ahead.
The Vikings have nearly $30 million in cap space to play with after the trade and are positioned for a major move with quarterback and wide receiver rumors running rampant less than three weeks before the season opener.
J.J. McCarthy appears ready to start Week 1, but there are still questions at backup quarterback that may not cost much to address.
Read more: J.J. McCarthy Faces Brutally Honest Take After Vikings Camp
Meanwhile, the Vikings wide receiver room continues to be hit with injury. Justin Jefferson is ramping up after missing a month of training camp with a hamstring injury. Jordan Addison is poised to miss the first three games of the regular season due to suspension for an alcohol-related offense. Jalen Nailor is week-to-week with a hand injury, and rookie Tai Felton exited practice on Wednesday with an injury.
The possibilities at wide receiver are endless with Tyreek Hill, Adam Thielen and Terry McLaurin headlining potential fits for Minnesota, which is exploring adding a veteran receiver by trade.
Read more: Vikings Insider Sends Clear Message on Adam Thielen Trade Rumors
Cornerback is another position that could be addressed with Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Jeff Okudah and Mekhi Blackmon spearheading the group.
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