Should Vikings trade for Justin Herbert? Making the case for and against potential blockbuster deal

news Minnesota has a championship-level defense, however the offense might utilize a trigger

Oct 22, 2026

at 12:24 pm ET

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5 minutes checked out

The Minnesota Vikings are making history, however not the kind of history you wish to advertise.

Minnesota has actually won its last 10 video games going back to the end of last season. That’s the great things. The bad things is that the Vikings’ 21 goals over that period are the least throughout any 10-game winning streak in the NFL given that the 1928-29 Packers. Bad– believed not rather as bad– is that the Vikings’ 9 goals this season are the least for a 5-0 group because the 2003 Panthers.

The ’03 Panthers wound up playing because year’s Super BowlThe Vikings might do the exact same thing this year, however the chances of that occurring are slim. The Vikings not just play in perhaps the NFL’s hardest department, however they share a conference with perhaps the NFL’s finest group, the 6-0 49ers.

Minnesota’s existing scenario has actually stimulated rumblings about a possible smash hit trade that would bring Justin Herbert to town. The Chargers supposedly did rule out trading Herbert previously this month, however it’s reasonable to question if they’re having doubts with the trade due date simply around the corner.

The Chargers are 0-6 and seem on the precipice of an overall reboot. Herbert is having a hard time to the point where a modification of landscapes may be needed for him if he is going to gain back the swagger that made him a two-time Pro Bowler.

Comparable trades have actually occurred with combined outcomes. Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff have actually both delighted in effective 2nd chapters after switching groups. Russell Wilson, nevertheless, did not delight in a comparable story in Denver after being traded from Seattle.

How would history keep in mind a possible trade including Herbert and the Vikings? To learn, let’s dive into the cases for and versus the Vikings trading for Herbert, together with a last decision.

news The case for trading for Herbert

It’s clear that the Vikings have a championship-caliber defense (they’re presently No. 1 in the NFL in least points permitted) however require assistance on offense. Herbert, in theory, might assist the Vikings bridge that space while ending up being a guaranteed Super Bowl competitor.

While this season has actually been a mess up until now, Herbert lacked a doubt among the league’s finest quarterbacks throughout his very first 6 seasons. He tossed for the second-most passing lawns in league history throughout a gamer’s very first 6 seasons– just Peyton Manning tossed for more lawns. Herbert’s 163 goals was the sixth-most in league history for a gamer because period.

Herbert is respected, and he has actually improved (prior to this season) in regards to looking after the ball. He tossed simply 3 interceptions in 2024, and while that number leapt to 13 in 2025, that amount to isn’t awful when you think about that he tossed 512 passes that year.

Taking a look at the Vikings this season, Herbert would be offered the secrets to an offense that definitely has possible. He ‘d get a possibility to deal with All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, two-time Pro Bowler tight end T.J. Hockenson, and ageless marvel Aaron Jones, whose capability resembles previous Chargers colleague Austin Ekeler.

Herbert’s age is likewise something that must be thought about. Just 28, Herbert needs to have a lots of terrific football left in him. He would possibly be the group’s long-lasting response at quarterback.

news The case for not trading for Herbert

Let’s begin with the quantity of possessions the Vikings would need to send out to Los Angeles. At a minimum, the Vikings would likely need to part methods with a minimum of one first-round choice and more than likely 2. Any trade including Herbert would need several high draft choices. It might likewise suggest trading Kyler Murray to Los Angeles.

There’s likewise the possibility of having Herbert find out a brand-new offense while getting on a moving train. Unlike Stafford and Goff, Herbert would not have the high-end of having an offseason to find out a playbook and to establish a connection with his brand-new colleagues. He ‘d be asked to do that right away, which is not a simple job.

If the Vikings kept Murray, that would produce an uncomfortable scenario for not just Murray and Herbert, however for everybody included. Sides would unquestionably be taken, which would produce a divided locker space.

Now, include the truth that Vikings do not have a fantastic offending line, which would expose Herbert’s absence of elite movement. That’s one of the concerns now in Los Angeles, and it would continue to rear its awful head in Minnesota.

Another con for Herbert: Murray’s movement is among the important things that has actually enabled him to have success with the Vikings. He can extend plays while getting outside the pocket. Murray has his defects, however movement isn’t among them.

Murray’s play has actually likewise enhanced in current weeks. Over his previous 2 video games (wins over the Dolphins and Saints) he’s finished a combined 76.1% of his passes while balancing 238 passing backyards per video game. He has actually likewise continued to look after the ball, which has actually been a crucial element of the Vikings’ success.

news Last decision

No, the Vikings need to not attempt to get Herbert by the trade due date. It’s too unpleasant and unworthy Minnesota endangering their existing champion potential customers. Plenty of groups have actually been able to win a Super Bowl following the Vikings’ present plan: leaning on their defense and having your offense merely not lose the video game.

Yes, the Vikings’ offense will need to have their minutes this season if Minnesota is going to win the NFC North and make a major perform at a Super Bowl. While they have not discovered their leading equipment yet, it’s safe to presume that Murray and Co.’s finest days are still ahead of them, particularly if Jefferson can remain healthy.

With all of that stated, that does not indicate that the Vikings should not attempt to get Herbert this offseason if this season winds up being a dissatisfaction. They likewise should not prevent attempting to reinforce other parts of their offense at this year’s trade due date in an effort to enhance their Super Bowl possibilities.