Vikings Trade Pitch Brings 23-Year-Old Eagles CB to Minnesota

Learn why Eli Ricks is a prime candidate for a Vikings trade and how his skills could enhance the team's defense.
The Philadelphia Eagles currently have a bounty of young and talented defensive backs, and one — Eli Ricks — has been labeled a potential trade candidate.

Having met with Minnesota at the NFL Combine in 2023, he could already be on the team’s radar, as he’s a long‑term boundary corner whose physical skill set aligns well with what defensive coordinator Brian Flores looks for in his defensive backs.

Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton put together an early roster projection during the team’s OTAs, and he has Philly keeping five cornerbacks on the roster: Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree’ Jackson and Mac McWilliams.

“The Eagles could certainly keep Eli Ricks, who was on the roster last year but didn’t play very much,” Gowton wrote. “They might be best served to trade him for more depth at another position, though.”

Could the Vikings be a taker?

 
A Look Back at Ricks’ NFL Career So Far
 
GettyShould the Minnesota Vikings try to trade for Philadelphia Eagles CB Eli Ricks?
Ricks began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Eagles in May 2023 after spending his collegiate career at LSU and Alabama. Despite not being selected in the draft, Ricks impressed during training camp and preseason, earning a spot on the Eagles’ 53-man roster.

As a rookie, he played in 16 games, finishing with 19 total tackles (one for loss) and three passes defended.

The 2024 season proved challenging for Ricks, as injuries limited his availability. He played in seven games, primarily on special teams, and registered just two tackles. Despite setbacks with his health, the Eagles retained Ricks, still believing in his upside. His physical attributes—he’s 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds with a 32” arm length—and his potential to develop into a starting-caliber cornerback might make him an attractive trade option for the Vikings.

Ricks is still just 23 years old, so there’s still plenty of time for him to develop. Entering the 2025 offseason, he remains under contract with the Eagles, carrying a cap hit of approximately $1.03 million.

 
Why the Minnesota Vikings Should Trade for CB Eli Ricks
The Vikings are in the midst of retooling their secondary, aiming to bolster their depth and develop young talent. While they’ve added players like Ricks’ former Eagles teammate Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, the cornerback position remains an area of need for the Vikes. Acquiring Ricks would give Minnesota a low-cost, high-upside option to compete for playing time while also contributing on special teams.

Given the Eagles’ depth at DB and Ricks’ limited role in 2024, a trade wouldn’t be a huge surprise. The Vikings could offer a conditional late-round draft pick. A 2026 fifth-rounder, that would turn into a fourth if Ricks starts 10 games or finishes with 3 or more INTs would likely convince Philly.

Ricks’ familiarity with both man and zone coverage would make him an attractive addition for Flores, and his affordable contract wouldn’t strain the Vikings’ salary cap in any way.

If the Eagles are amenable to moving him — and they very likely are — it might not be a bad idea for Minnesota to bring him aboard.
Beth Mishler-Elmore Beth Mishler-Elmore is a Heavy sports contributor based in the Midwest, focusing on the NFL, NBA and WNBA. More about Beth Mishler-Elmore