The Minnesota Vikings have won their last 10 games, a streak matched by few, yet their offense has scored just 21 touchdowns over that span, the fewest during any 10-game winning run in the NFL since the 1928-29 Green Bay Packers. This season, their nine touchdowns through five games mark the lowest total for an undefeated team since the 2003 Carolina Panthers, a team that eventually reached the Super Bowl. Still, the Vikings’ offense has yet to find its rhythm in a division that includes the 6-0 San Francisco 49ers, widely regarded as the league’s strongest team.
Amid these struggles, the Vikings have drawn attention for a possible trade to acquire Justin Herbert from the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers, now 0-6 and facing a rebuilding season, reportedly dismissed trade talks involving Herbert earlier this month. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, however, it is unclear if the Chargers have reconsidered.
Herbert’s fall from being a two-time Pro Bowler to struggling amid a winless season has raised questions about whether a fresh start might reignite his form. His early career was marked by prolific passing, he threw the second-most yards in NFL history for a player’s first six seasons, surpassed only by Peyton Manning, and recorded 163 touchdowns in that span, ranking sixth all-time. His ball security improved notably in 2024 with just three interceptions, although that number rose to 13 in 2025 on 512 attempts.
For the Vikings, Herbert could offer a boost to an offense that features All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson, two-time Pro Bowler tight end T.J. Hockenson, and veteran running back Aaron Jones, whose style resembles Herbert’s former Chargers teammate Austin Ekeler. At 28, Herbert would be a long-term candidate at quarterback, potentially elevating Minnesota from a team relying heavily on its defense, currently first in fewest points allowed, to a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The cost of acquiring Herbert, however, would be high. The Vikings would likely need to trade multiple first-round picks and possibly include their current quarterback, Kyler Murray. Retaining both quarterbacks could fracture the locker room, creating divided loyalties that would complicate team dynamics. Herbert would also face the challenge of learning a new offense mid-season, unlike Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, who had offseasons to adjust after their own trades.
The Vikings’ offensive line, which struggles to protect the quarterback, would expose Herbert’s limited mobility, a problem evident during his time with the Chargers. By contrast, Murray’s mobility has been a strength for Minnesota, enabling him to extend plays and evade pressure. Murray’s recent form has improved, completing 76.1 percent of passes over the last two games against the Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints while averaging 238 yards per game and maintaining ball security.
Given these factors, the Vikings appear unlikely to pursue Herbert before the trade deadline. The risks of disrupting their current setup outweigh the potential benefits. Teams have historically won Super Bowls relying on strong defenses and efficient, if unspectacular, offenses, an approach Minnesota currently follows.
That said, the Vikings might revisit the possibility of acquiring Herbert in the offseason if their campaign falters. Meanwhile, they could look to strengthen other offensive areas at the deadline to support their Super Bowl ambitions. For now, the team's focus remains on maximizing its existing roster as the season unfolds.
According to CBS.
