The NFL Trade Deadline is set for 3 p.m. CT on Nov. 2. If the season ended today, the Minnesota Vikings would clinch the last spot in the Wild Card race. Who could they potentially target to increase their playoff chances?

1. Xavien Howard, CB – Miami Dolphins

The Vikings should be on the lookout for cornerbacks at the NFL Trade Deadline. The secondary has been a bit shaky, and that should continue as long as Patrick Peterson remains out with a hamstring injury.

Bashaud Breeland hasn’t played well, despite having a great Week 6 performance against the Carolina Panthers. Cameron Dantzler has played well in limited playing time and will get an extended look over the next couple of weeks.

Mike Zimmer loves getting his hands on as many cornerbacks as he can, so I don’t think he’d hate the idea of adding more. Whether it’s the draft or free agency, Minnesota has continued to add depth at that position.

Xavien Howard is a second-round pick out of Baylor University and has played six seasons for the Miami Dolphins. In that span, he’s had plenty of success, including leading the league in interceptions in 2018 and 2020 (7 and 10).

He’s dealt with some injuries in the past, but he’s only missed one game since 2020.

Howard is currently ranked as the 47th corner in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. His coverage grade sits at 64.8, but he played well in Weeks 1, 2 and 7.

Minnesota could use a two-time Pro Bowl player in their lineup and someone who creates a lot of turnovers.

2. Andrew Norwell, G – Jacksonville Jaguars

The Vikings need to improve their offensive line. Everyone knows it, and it’s been a work in progress for a long time. Minnesota’s issue isn’t Brian O’Neill; he’s been the one player on that line who’s been consistent year in and year out.

Bradbury doesn’t look like a long-term solution at the center position, but he should be given more time to develop.

Rashod Hill is not a capable starter, but Christian Darrisaw has looked good in limited playing time. Minnesota’s biggest weakness has come from the interior part of the line.

• Darrisaw: 64.0 (no rank)
• Ezra Cleveland: 57.5 (53rd/74)
• Garrett Bradbury: 56.0 (28th/36)
• Oli Udoh: 55.9 (56th/74)
• O’Neill: 66.3 (40th/78)

Andrew Norwell was nominated as First-Team All-Big Ten (2x) and was picked up by the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.

After four seasons with the Panthers, he signed a four-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018.

Since 2014, Norwell’s lowest grade is 65.5 (2019). He was a decorated player at Carolina and was nominated as an All-Pro in 2017. Since arriving in Jacksonville, his PFF grade hasn’t been as good, but there’s reason to believe he can improve the Vikings’ offensive line.

Norwell’s better in pass blocking situations, but he’s not a bad run blocker. Though, it’s important to note that the Vikings look for players who are athletic and improve the run game. However, Minnesota needs to protect Kirk Cousins too.

Norwell is a player who can come in and improve the offensive line.

3. Kyle Fuller, CB – Denver Broncos

Remember Kyle Fuller? The longtime Chicago Bear is in his first season with the Denver Broncos and isn’t playing as well as many would have expected.

Vic Fangio is one of the best defensive-minded coaches in the league, so it’s odd that he isn’t having any usual success. Fuller is a two-time Pro Bowler and has recorded 19 interceptions since 2014.

This season he has a defensive grade of 44.8 and a coverage grade of 40.6. Last year he held a defensive grade of 64.1 and a coverage grade of 70.1. His last two years are drastically different, but Mike Zimmer is a cornerback whisperer, so maybe he’d have more success in Minnesota.

At 29 years of age, Fuller will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. This means that the Vikings wouldn’t have to give up as many assets in a trade. Potentially if things work out, Fuller and the Vikings could agree to a long-term deal.

Minnesota should be active before the trade deadline if they want to prove to their fans and this team that they’re all in on the playoffs.