There are more than a few ways that the Minnesota Vikings can go about addressing their roster holes this offseason. With multiple free agents hitting the open market, they’ll need to backfill spots while still getting better.
The Vikings’ quarterback dilemma has easily generated the most discussion early on this offseason, but multiple other positions need to be fixed before this team can even think about getting ready for the 2025 season. Luckily, they have some money to spend, over $60 million to be exact.
While the Vikings are expected to be active in free agency, which starts on March 12, they’re also looking to acquire talent via trade, when the opportunity presents itself. Fortunately for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, options on that front continue to expand by the day.
DT Davon Godchaux (Patriots) available via trade for Minnesota Vikings
Earlier this week the Washington Commanders permitted defensive tackle Jonathan Allen an opportunity to find a new home. Minnesota is a place he reportedly would be interested in playing. We don’t yet know if that’s true of New England’s Davon Godchaux, but he could certainly help the MN Vikings.
At 6’3″ Godchaux checks in weighing 330 pounds. Minnesota has a serious deficiency up the middle on the defensive line, and he could pair nicely with Harrison Phillips. Godchaux isn’t the sack threat of Jonathan Allen, but he is more than a capable run stuffer.
The former fifth round pick has split his eight-year career evenly with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. In both 2019 and 2020 he operated with current Vikings defensive coordinator as his head coach while lining up as the nose tackle.
Godchaux has started 109 of the 120 games he has played during his career. He has 429 total tackles and record 67 last season. He has just 5.5 sacks but has 20 tackles for loss and another 26 quarterback hits. His run defense has been the calling card and he has shown exceptional tackling ability.
2025 is the final year of Godchaux’s two-year contract with New England. He is set to make $4 million in base salary and carries a manageable $8.33 million cap hit. Given the infrastructure that Minnesota has built, and the familiarity with Flores, it makes sense that the sides may have been in contact.
G Jonah Jackson (Rams) available via trade for Vikings
It’s not just Matthew Stafford that the Los Angeles Rams are allowing to discuss a future with other teams. Guard Jonah Jackson is being given the same consideration. Kevin O’Connell could look to bring the former Detroit Lion back to the division.
Back in 2021 Jackson made his first Pro Bowl with the Lions while starting 16 games for the second consecutive season. He started 13 in 2022 and just 12 in 2023 before falling off last year. Jackson played in just four games for the Rams after signing a three-year, $51 million contact.
In 2025 Jackson is set to make a $9 million base salary with a $14.6 million cap hit. He could also be cut following the 2025 season and his team would incur just a $5.6 dead cap hit.
After falling out of favor with the Rams, it’s logical that Jackson would like a fresh start elsewhere. A former third round pick by the Detroit Lions, Jackson obviously has familiarity with the NFC North. He could immediately slide in as a replacement for either Blake Brandel or Dalton Risner as the Vikings seek to beef up their offensive line.
Given Jackson’s contract figure, and lack of performance last season, it stands to reason that the acquisition cost for his services may be slightly muted.
Minnesota will try to address plenty of their deficiencies as free agency and the league year kick off. That will present the front office with a more clear direction in regards to how they attack April’s NFL Draft.
