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Vikings on Verge of Landing Giants Field-Stretcher WR for J.J. McCarthy with Trade Deadline Approaching


Posted October 4, 2025

Minneapolis, MN – October 4, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings are on the cusp of a targeted deadline swing. With the NFC race tightening and explosive plays at a premium, the front office is preparing to add a true vertical burner to widen rookie QB J.J. McCarthy’s passing profile. 

Minnesota’s offense has battled inconsistency and injuries up front, compressing throwing windows and limiting shot plays. Even with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison commanding attention, the need for another take-the-top-off threat has lingered as defenses squeeze the intermediate areas. 

With the trade deadline nearing, talks have centered on an NFC East speed merchant who fits the description. The player: Jalin Hyatt of the New York Giants — a bona fide deep threat with verified 4.3–4.4 speed and third-level route chops. A 2023 third-round pick (No. 73 overall), Hyatt arrived in the league with a pure vertical profile and has continued to stress safeties with long speed and high-aDOT usage. 

The proposed exchange would send mid-round draft compensation to New York, giving Minnesota a receiver who forces defenses to respect the deep third — opening underneath space for Jefferson and Addison and creating cleaner one-on-one access outside. On a rookie deal, Hyatt also offers cost control and roster flexibility for a team chasing late-season margins. 

For the Giants, the move would be about capital and allocation — converting a valuable asset into picks while recalibrating snaps in a reshaped receiver room. For the Vikings, it’s about balance: pairing McCarthy’s developing rhythm game with a vertical lid-lifter who can change spacing immediately. 

Offensive timing has flashed in spurts, but adding Hyatt would raise the explosive-play ceiling and align with Kevin O’Connell’s mandate to attack all 53⅓ yards wide — and the full field deep — when it matters most.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722