Our celebration game is suffering.

He’s definitely worth a long look for sure.

https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/minnesota-vikings/camryn-bynum-colts-trade-theo-jackson-harrison-smith/

Vikings Trade Pitch Reunites Team With Harrison Smith Replacement, Fan-Favorite DB

he Minnesota Vikings have the best, most disruptively chaotic defense in the NFL through five weeks, but it still has weaknesses, and the safety spot is arguably one of the biggest.

Given that, Tyler Forness of A to Z Sports suggested on Wednesday, October 14 that Minnesota facilitate a trade with the Indianapolis Colts to reunite with fan-favorite defensive back Camryn Bynum.

“One interesting thing about the Vikings’ defense is how inconsistent the secondary has been,” Forness wrote. “Josh Metellus has been playing a role that hasn’t been ideal, and Harrison Smith has been ramping up. Plus, Theo Jackson is playing a larger role on the unit, which is far from ideal.”

The trade proposal consists of Minnesota sending Indianapolis a 2027 third-round pick (No. 85 overall projection) and Jackson in return for a 2027 fifth-round selection (No. 149 overall projection) and Bynum.

“If the Vikings were going to add a player in the secondary, communication is paramount. It’s very difficult to teach the defense,” Forness continued. “One player who could be available for a trade is Cam Bynum, who was with the Vikings from 2021-2024. He could theoretically take over for Smith next year on the third year of his contract, and the learning curve wouldn’t be very high.”

Camryn Bynum Among Most Reliable Safeties in NFL Over Past 6 Years

Minnesota selected Bynum in the fourth round of the 2021 draft (No. 125 overall) out of California. He played four seasons for the Vikings before joining the Colts in free agency ahead of the 2025 campaign. Bynum, 28, is currently playing in the second season of a four-year, $60 million contract.

While he was never an All-Pro selection or a Pro Bowler with the Vikings, Bynum did elevate into a starting role after appearing in 14 games and earning three starts during his rookie campaign. He subsequently played in, and started, every contest for the Vikings over the next three years.

Bynum also started all 17 outings for the Colts last season and has made five starts through five weeks in 2026. He has tallied 445 combined tackles, including eight tackles for loss, 37 pass breakups, 12 interceptions, four forced fumbles and 2.5 sacks across his six-year professional career (87 games, 76 starts).

Undefeated Vikings Likely Buyers Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline

Minnesota is undefeated into its Week 6 bye, which could afford enough time for a handful of players to get healthy: running back Jordan Mason (thumb), left tackle Christian Darrisaw (concussion), wide receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) and tight end TJ Hockenson (concussion).

It also affords the Vikings a chance to consider trade targets ahead of the team’s return to the gridiron against the aforementioned Colts at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis a week from this Sunday.

Daniel Popper of The Athletic wrote Wednesday that he expects Minnesota to occupy a buying position ahead of the league’s November 10 trade deadline. His take, however, was that the offense will be the Vikings focus rather than the defense.

“The Vikings are 5-0, and they have the best defense in football. Could coach Kevin O’Connell add on offense before the deadline to give the Vikings some more life on that side of the ball?” Popper wrote. “Vikings skill players fumbled twice in the red zone, which affected the total output. But there were plenty of promising signs. … The offense could round into form with more consistent quarterback play. The Vikings are, however, thin at tight end. Josh Oliver is on injured reserve, and TJ Hockenson suffered a concussion Sunday.”

Why let him go to trade an asset back? If I’m

Parting with assets, it’s going to be on the other side of the ball.

I fully expect the Vikings to be active at the trade deadline, but what positions should they target?

I broke down the top 5 and used the new @AtoZSportsNFL trade simulator to give a possible trade https://t.co/07hr9d2x9V

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) October 14, 2026

https://atozsports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings-news/minnesota-vikings-likely-be-aggressive-trade-deadline-nolan-teasley-khalil-mack-josh-downs-cam-bynum-teven/

Minnesota Vikings will likely be aggressive at the trade deadline, and the position Nolan Teasley should target could be controversial

The trade deadline is coming up fast, and the Minnesota Vikings are building themselves a Super Bowl caliber roster.

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season at 5-0, and it’s on the backs of a historic defense. Brian Flores’ unit is trending toward being one of the best in NFL history, up there with the likes of the 2000 Baltimore Ravens and 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Where they struggle right now is on offense, but Kyler Murray is slowly but surely improving under center. If the offense elevates to league average or better, this Vikings team could get really scary for opponents down the line.

The next part of the NFL schedule that the Vikings need to prioritize is the trade deadline. Over the past few years, the Vikings have struck trades at the deadline to improve their roster.

• 2022: TE T.J. Hockenson

• 2023: QB Josh Dobbs

• 2024: LT Cam Robinson

Yes, those were with Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as the general manager, but Nolan Teasley gives off the impression that he’s aggressive in his own right. One or more trades are likely on the horizon for the Vikings, but what should they target? I ranked the positions I think they should go after.

5. Safety

One interesting thing about the Vikings’ defense is how inconsistent the secondary has been. Josh Metellus has been playing a role that hasn’t been ideal, and Harrison Smith has been ramping up. Plus, Theo Jackson is playing a larger role on the unit, which is far from ideal.

If the Vikings were going to add a player in the secondary, communication is paramount. It’s very difficult to teach the defense. One player who could be available for a trade is Cam Bynum, who was with the Vikings from 2021-2024. He could theoretically take over for Smith next year on the third year of his contract, and the learning curve wouldn’t be very high.

4. Running back

This has been the most popular option for the Vikings to target, mainly because of the Jordan Mason injury. With him coming back after the bye week, that need is lessened. Now, is that need a no? Absolutely not, but the Vikings don’t need to prioritize it with a starting-level back, because it’s not a dire need.

Finding an RB3 who can be useful on passing downs and taking on an RB2 role with a potential injury is a smart move for the Vikings, especially with Aaron Jones’ history. There are some interesting options out there.

3. Wide receiver

This is already a position where the Vikings are strong at the top, but the depth has a lot of concerns. Jauan Jennings is already rumored to being on the trade block, and neither Tai Felton, nor Myles Proce have stood out positively. You can argue that all three have been a net negative at wide receiver, even though Price has been great as a returner.

It feels weird that wide receiver is a need for this team, but with injuries keeping Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson out of significant portions of the season thus far, depth at the position is key to finding success. It would be tough for the Vikings to find someone who could contribute right away, but there are a couple of intriguing options.

2. Offensive line

Going into the season, there were questions about the depth of the offensive line. The top interior option was Joe Huber, who had started one game in 2025 as a UDFA, and we didn’t know how well that would translate once he had to play on Sundays. Turns out, he’s been pretty good, so much so that discussions have begun about him being a starter long-term.

Even so, Donovan Jackson is likely out for the season, and that creates potential for the offensive line to become a disaster with one more injury. We already saw what could happen with both Jackson and Christian Darrisaw being out. I doubt the Vikings target a starter, but adding a swing player who would be an upgrade over their depth makes a lot of sense.

1. Pass rusher

It may feel weird to have this position at the top, but it shouldn’t be. If you want to make a run at a Super Bowl, one of the biggest keys to having a roster to do so is having a great pass rush. Now, the Vikings currently have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, but are they going to be able to consistently win 1-v-1 once they get into the playoffs? Even if they do, having depth and being able to rotate guys in and out is paramount.

Looking at the last decade plus of Super Bowl winners, they have all had one of the following:

• Deep rotation of pas rushers

• An alpha (ie: Aaron Donald)

Right now, there aren’t a ton of sellers, but that number could rise over the next few weeks with more teams losing. Keep an eye out for the Vikings looking for a mercenary pass rusher to pair with Dallas Turner, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Jalen Redmond.

We’re lean at RB if we’re going to rush 30 times a game. A Kalil Mack pass rusher would be interesting if the price was right.

I keep hearing we are 'buyers' but what player is going to move the needle, even a little bit? I mean if its depth trades, that's fine....shore some things up if so but I can't see the clear path to a 'big' trade. 🤔

Bullazin wrote:

Why let him go to trade an asset back? If I’m
Parting with assets, it’s going to be on the other side of the ball.

Yeah, big contract, been gone for 2 years. I would rather see the youngsters get a chance than chase past glory with big contracts and picks.

StickierBuns wrote:

I keep hearing we are 'buyers' but what player is going to move the needle, even a little bit? I mean if its depth trades, that's fine....shore some things up if so but I can't see the clear path to a 'big' trade. 🤔

Yeah, don't see edge as a need. Only big possibility would be a starting RB. Not some also ran depth, but a game changer at RB1.

greediron wrote:

Yeah, don't see edge as a need. Only big possibility would be a starting RB. Not some also ran depth, but a game changer at RB1.

I guess, but whom? Saquon Barkley isn't happening with that contract. What game changer is out there? I think it then becomes a fan's opinion about what is a 'game changer'. Why would the Chargers part with Omarion Hampton? I know you agree, I'm just asking out loud not at you. I mean, Mason is returning, you know?

greediron wrote:

Yeah, don't see edge as a need. Only big possibility would be a starting RB. Not some also ran depth, but a game changer at RB1.

May have to find some peace with adding RB depth this season - unless they surprise us all.

Clearly they dont have too much faith yet in Claiborne, so they're really a 2 rb room once Mason returns. With a few more practice bodies taking up space.

purplefaithful wrote:

May have to find some peace with adding RB depth this season - unless they surprise us all.
Clearly they dont have too much faith yet in Claiborne, so they're really a 2 rb room once Mason returns. With a few more practice bodies taking up space.

Yep, I only see depth as the most logical move....and that's fine.

RB, to me, is priority 1A at DEFCON 1. Klaxon sounding! Bright warning ⛔️! He’s in V-fib and vitals are dropping!

But, maybe that’s just me. A big part of this 10 game streak is the commitment to running. If we can’t even have a tepid threat to run productively the O could easily collapse like a house of cards.

But, maybe I’m overreacting.

Are we at the point where we go around and start kicking tires...? Probably most of them are flat, balding or retreads...

Saying that Harrison Smith is ramping up is being kind

JustInTime wrote:

RB, to me, is priority 1A at DEFCON 1. Klaxon sounding! Bright warning ⛔️! He’s in V-fib and vitals are dropping!
But, maybe that’s just me. A big part of this 10 game streak is the commitment to running. If we can’t even have a tepid threat to run productively the O could easily collapse like a house of cards.
But, maybe I’m overreacting.

I think the majority of Viking nation was (is) ok going with Jones/Mason this season.

I am not among them.

I like the idea of bringing Bynum back as he was a solid fit for our defense, but not for a third and the contract he brings. How about a 4th and 6th? We need to find our replacement for Harry and Metellus is just not a great S, IMO...versatile, yes. But more importantly, Bynum brought the excitement and energy on defense that I thought we lost when he left and to JT's comment, brings the celebrations!

The Vidal trade is intriguing to me, because he comes with very little injury history and is considered a fairly good pass-blocking RB. He was drafted in the 6th round and that's good value to get him for a 6th, IMO. He's a bowling ball-type back who is shorter, thicker, kind of like an Austin Eckeler type who can break tackles and has respectable speed, but also fill the goaline packages role. He has good hands and has been in the shadows, where he could ultimately be a three-down back if needed.

JustInTime wrote:

RB, to me, is priority 1A at DEFCON 1. Klaxon sounding! Bright warning ⛔️! He’s in V-fib and vitals are dropping!
But, maybe that’s just me. A big part of this 10 game streak is the commitment to running. If we can’t even have a tepid threat to run productively the O could easily collapse like a house of cards.
But, maybe I’m overreacting.

Agreed. I also think trading for a RB would be much more impactful to our current squad and much easier to get results quickly.

Any defender (outside of Bynum who was mentioned) we could acquire in a trade is going to have a steep learning curve with B-Flo's scheme.

purplefaithful wrote:

I think the majority of Viking nation was (is) ok going with Jones/Mason this season.
I am not among them.

MAD GAINZ wrote:

Agreed. I also think trading for a RB would be much more impactful to our current squad and much easier to get results quickly.
Any defender (outside of Bynum who was mentioned) we could acquire in a trade is going to have a steep learning curve with B-Flo's scheme.

We don’t have to swing for the fences either. Pollard, while unsexy, would get the job done. He’s a solid workhorse always on the field guy. Honestly, should already be done and dusted.

purplefaithful wrote:

I think the majority of Viking nation was (is) ok going with Jones/Mason this season.
I am not among them.

Well, AJ is 6th in the league in rushing yardage so far. Mason is coming back. Its the duo the Minnesota was ready to ride with for Game 1. But I can see a depth or rotational RB maybe being signed like Vidal because Claiborne needs to go back in the oven for a bit.