The Minnesota Vikings may look to the trade market for an elite safety as they plan for Harrison Smith's eventual departure.
According to The Athletic's Alec Lewis, Minnesota could consider Tampa Bay's Antoine Winfield Jr. or Arizona's Budda Baker if either becomes available before the NFL trade deadline.
The Vikings are one of three undefeated teams through the first six weeks of the 2026 season.
Tampa Bay sits last in the NFC South at 1-5, while Arizona is 2-4, creating possible openings for Minnesota to pursue established defensive playmakers.
Why Winfield Jr. Fits Minnesota's Plans
Lewis named both safeties as possible targets and stressed the need for a contingency plan behind Smith.
He described the ideal replacement as a defender with blitzing savvy and the ability to decipher offensive formations before the snap.
"Taking a swing will be worth a conversation if players such as Antoine Winfield Jr. or Budda Baker are available," Lewis wrote.
Winfield Jr. has been one of Tampa Bay's leading defenders since the Buccaneers drafted him in the second round in 2020.
The 28-year-old has two Pro Bowl selections and combines coverage skills with contributions against the run and as a pass rusher.
Per the report, he has 18 career sacks and nine interceptions, and has topped 80 tackles in every season in which he played at least 13 games.
His family ties also link him to Minnesota's history.
His father, Antoine Winfield Sr., entered the NFL after Buffalo selected him in the first round in 1999, then signed with the Vikings before the 2004 season.
Winfield Sr. made three Pro Bowl appearances in nine years with Minnesota and was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings in 2010.
Both father and son stand 5 feet 9 inches tall, though Winfield Jr. weighs 203 pounds, according to the report.
Baker is another option for Minnesota's secondary.
The 30-year-old Cardinals safety has eight Pro Bowl selections in 10 years with Arizona, where he has been used in multiple positions.
Lewis identified Baker as a defender the Vikings could pursue if Arizona's difficult start makes a trade possible.
Either acquisition would address Minnesota's immediate defensive needs and its longer-term safety plans under coordinator Brian Flores.
The report called both players potentially attainable, though no trade agreement or formal offer was confirmed.
