The Vikings made their third trade in a week on Monday night, sending cornerback Mekhi Blackmon to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Cornerback depth still appears to be an issue for the Vikings, but the team could keep undrafted free agent Zemaiah Vaughn and has seemed optimistic about Kahlef Hailassie, who moved to safety during camp but also has experience at corner.
The Vikings’ three trades — sending Harrison Phillips to the Jets on Wednesday, dealing Sam Howell to the Eagles on Sunday and trading Blackmon to the Colts on Monday night — have netted them an extra fifth-round pick in 2026 and a sixth-rounder in 2027, while helping them recoup the 2026 sixth-rounder and 2027 seventh-rounder they traded away. Counting the three compensatory picks the team is projected to receive in next year’s draft, the Vikings have 11 selections next spring.
The haul could help them replenish the roster with young players or swing a deal for another veteran this week.
The Vikings have been exploring trades for a receiver, with Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games of the season and Jalen Nailor dealing with a hand injury. The team had been talking to the Panthers about a deal that would bring Adam Thielen back to Minnesota, though it remains to be seen if the two sides will agree on draft pick compensation and how much of Thielen’s $6.5 million base salary the Vikings would pick up.