While no one is having any doubts that Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores can produce a top-10 defense, there are more question marks about the unit than some believe.
The Vikings' secondary has some questions surrounding it at corner and safety, with concerns about bringing in younger players. While Flores has a good tandem of edge rushers in Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner, the defensive tackle position, besides Jalen Redmond, leaves much to be desired.
In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Vikings took a chance on Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks, who has broken his foot twice in nine months. They also selected another defensive tackle, Domonique Orange, in the third round of the same draft. This still leaves many questions about the position, but one trade could transform Flores' defense forever.
The Minnesota Vikings are urged to target two-time Pro Bowler for Brian Flores' defense
FanSided writer Wynston Wilcox made an interesting trade idea that feels like a great deal on paper. Wilcox likes the Vikings to be one of three teams to make a good offer for Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter.
Vikings receive Jalen Carter
Eagles receive 2027 second-round pick and 2027 fifth-round pick
"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.Â
That said, he’s a beast and would instantly make this defensive line better. 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. When you want stars on your team, it’s costly, but the Vikings can’t ignore how big of an addition Carter would be."
Since being drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Carter has been one of the top-five defensive tackles in the NFL. Despite missing six games last season, he still got selected to his second Pro Bowl of his three-year NFL career, finishing with 33 tackles, 12 quarterback hits, seven pass deflections, five tackles for loss, three sacks, and a blocked kick.
There have been a few concerns with Carter over the last year that might make a team hesitant to make a trade offer for him. He had two separate injuries to his shoulders and heel, which would be similar to the concerns about Banks. Another is his character concerns after being ejected from the Eagles' Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys last year for spitting at Dak Prescott.
Carter is a game-changer who would bolster a defensive line that might become a top-10 unit. It would also give the Vikings insurance in case Banks isn't able to play right away in 2026.
One concern with Carter is the financial side, which has been a headache for the Vikings throughout the offseason. He is going to command at least $33 million per year, if not more, leaving them with a tough financial decision.
Flores would not complain if he could get an elite defender for his unit. While a trade seems very unlikely, if the Vikings were able to get Carter for a second- and fifth-round pick, what a steal of a deal that would be for Minnesota.
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