Minnesota sent New Orleans pick No. 105, which became tight…
Minnesota sent New Orleans pick No. 105, which became tight end Adam Trautman, and received four later selections that became James Lynch, Harrison Hand, Blake Brandel and Nate Stanley. Trautman developed into a useful Saints tight end, but Brandel became a long-term Vikings lineman and eventual starter, while Lynch and Hand added supporting snaps. Minnesota's broader return produced slightly more lasting value.
Minnesota Vikings Received
- pick 2020 4th round pick (130th overall, James Lynch )
- pick 2020 5th round pick (169th overall, Harrison Hand )
- pick 2020 6th round pick (203rd overall, Blake Brandel )
- pick 2020 7th round pick (244th overall, Nate Stanley )
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2020 3rd round pick (105th overall, Adam Trautman )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
New Orleans climbed to No. 105 in the 2020 draft to select tight end Adam Trautman, sending Minnesota four later choices: Nos. 130, 169, 203 and 244. The Vikings turned those picks into defensive tackle James Lynch, cornerback Harrison Hand, offensive lineman Blake Brandel and quarterback Nate Stanley. It was a classic consolidation trade, with the Saints targeting one player and Minnesota betting on volume.
Why the Value Separated
Trautman became a real contributor rather than a miss. He played regularly for New Orleans, handled substantial blocking work and supplied receiving depth before the Saints moved him to Denver in 2023. Minnesota's return was uneven, but Brandel changed the equation. After developing as a reserve, he grew into a dependable offensive lineman and starter, giving the Vikings a useful multiyear piece from the 203rd pick. Lynch and Hand also provided rotational or spot duty.
How the Deal Aged
The Saints got the player they wanted and received several seasons from him, which keeps their side respectable. The Vikings did not hit on all four selections, yet that was never necessary for the volume strategy to work. One durable starter plus additional role-player snaps created enough value to exceed the single-player return New Orleans ultimately realized. Stanley did not become a meaningful factor, and the other Minnesota picks had limited ceilings.
Final Verdict
Minnesota earns a narrow win, graded B+ to New Orleans' B-. This was not a lopsided exchange. Trautman was useful and the Saints' move was coherent, but Brandel's longer-term starting value and the extra supporting contributions gave the Vikings more from the total package.
Adam Trautman gave New Orleans three seasons of useful tight-end play, while Minnesota spread the return across four selections and found its most durable piece in Blake Brandel, who developed into a long-term lineman and eventual starter.