Vikings and Broncos trade prediction brings elite playmakers to Minnesota cheaply

The Minnesota Vikings enter the final weekend before the NFL trade deadline with a somewhat tenuous running back position.

The Vikings traded for Cam Akers last month and third-year returning Ty Chandler continues to see limited reps as the RB2, but an injury to starter Aaron Jones could prove fatal for an offense that leads the NFL in pass attempts per game is in last place (27.1).

Sports Illustrated NFL writers Matt Verderame and Gilberto Manzano recently examined a potential trade between Minnesota and the Denver Broncos that could make sense for both sides.

Your suggestion? Running back Javonte Williams to the Vikings in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. Here was their take:

The Broncos are fighting for a playoff spot and deserve praise. However, Denver is not a contender and the running back room has been weak all year. Meanwhile, the Vikings are in action for the NFC North and rely heavily on Aaron Jones to carry the ball. Jones, 30, has been great, but Ty Chandler is a mediocre replacement.

Williams would be a good complement to Jones in Minnesota, as the former No. 35 overall pick out of North Carolina had a solid career in Denver as both a rusher and receiver. However, his efficiency in the Broncos' workhorse role has taken a hit since returning from a torn ACL in 2023. Williams has faced 90 rush attempts this season but is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry. A move to Minnesota would alleviate some of that burden, with the added benefit of operating behind a better offensive line.

Adding legitimate running back help should also help Jones, who always had a buddy during his time in Green Bay. Jones has already reached the 100 carries mark this season. He has battled hip and hamstring issues and has carried the load for Minnesota's running game. Chandler never played more than 11 offensive snaps in any game. Jones was healthy all season.

The Broncos have shown signs that they are ready to move on from Williams. Tyler Badie struggled for playing time before landing on injured reserve with a back injury. The team also spent a fifth-round pick on rookie Audric Estime, who is averaging 6.0 yards per carry this season due to limited options.

The Vikings don't have a seventh-round pick in 2025, but they have an abundance of them in 2026. If they really could acquire the 24-year-old Williams, who had first-round talent out of UNC, on an expiring season, general manager ​Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is believed to be interested in a rookie contract for a seventh-round pick in two years.

More NFL trade deadline news:

The Vikings-Patriots trade proposal would send the two-time Super Bowl champions to Minnesota to help their playoff push

The Vikings trade prediction brings a D-lineman with championship pedigree to Minnesota

The Vikings' planned blockbuster sends star Panthers to Minnesota on time