Vikings Trade Proposal Brings Coach Back Together with $14 Million Former 1st-Round Pick
The Minnesota Vikings have been targeting improvements on defense, especially after their Week 1 performance against Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on “Monday Night Football.” One potential addition could be Jaelan Phillips from the Miami Dolphins, a player with whom defensive coordinator Brian Flores has a prior connection.
Flores, who was head coach of the Dolphins in 2021, was responsible for selecting Phillips with the 18th overall pick in that year’s draft. Four years later, both teams may be in a position to reunite the coach and player.
Vikings Trade Idea Leverages Dolphins’ Current Situation
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently suggested the Vikings as a potential destination for Phillips, estimating the edge rusher’s trade value at a “Conditional 2026 4th-Round Pick.”
However, the Vikings don’t have a 4th-round pick in the 2026 draft after trading it to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season for left tackle Cam Robinson. In this proposed trade pitch from Heavy Sports, the Vikings would instead offer two fifth-round picks in exchange for Phillips:
Vikings receive:
- Jaelan Phillips
Dolphins receive:
- 2026 fifth-round draft pick (via ATL, PHI, or SF)
- 2027 fifth-round pick
Knox pointed out on September 10 that playoff contenders are often in the market for edge rushers, and with the Dolphins having a crowded pass-rushing group—including Bradley Chubb, Matthew Judon, Chop Robinson, and Phillips—Miami could be open to moving one. If the Dolphins don’t improve quickly after a tough season opener, trading Phillips could be a logical move.
Although injuries have limited Phillips’ games over the past two years, he has accumulated 22 sacks over his first three seasons. Now fully healthy, he could bring significant value to Miami, likely fetching a high Day 3 draft pick.
Jaelan Phillips as a Versatile Option for Vikings’ Defense
While Phillips has been a regular starter in the past, playing 20 games over his first two seasons, injuries have reduced his availability to just 13 games over the last three seasons, starting nine of them. A fresh start with the Vikings could be exactly what he needs to revive his career.
Even if Phillips doesn’t start, he could provide a strong rotational presence behind established starters like Andrew Van Ginkel and Jonathan Greenard. With the addition of Phillips, the Vikings could form a dynamic backup duo with 2024 first-round pick Dallas Turner.
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