The Minnesota Vikings sit at 5-0, atop the NFC North, and remain one of three undefeated teams, joining the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. The defense has done most of the heavy lifting, as it ranks second in total defense. However, the offense is nearly the opposite, placing 27th in total offense. Looking around the league, where could the Vikings upgrade?

There are two situations to monitor.

First, keep tabs on the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles could be staring down the barrel of a short rebuild, now that Jalen Hurts is on IR due to blood clots. With their offense struggling as it is, they could make running back Saquon Barkley available via trade. Barkley, 29, has been nursing a hamstring injury but appears to be nearing a return. A change of scenery could be what's needed to help him regain his form.

The second situation to monitor is the impending firesale in Indianapolis. When a team fires a general manager before firing a head coach, that signals a complete teardown. You know who would likely love to be shipped off to a contender and help elevate their offense? Jonathan Taylor. Taylor, 27, is enjoying another strong year, rushing for 492 yards and seven touchdowns. His receiving ability and zone-running ability are just what the doctor ordered in Minnesota.

The million-dollar question is: SHOULD the Vikings make a move for someone like Barkley or Taylor? Let's take a look at the Christian McCaffrey trade for pick comps:

You can argue that Taylor should fetch nearly the same return as CMC did, meaning that Minnesota would likely need to trade at least a second and potentially a third, too. If Minnesota could get a deal done for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick, they should pull the trigger.

For Barkley, he is going to be harder to gauge. His pick value should be a touch lower, probably starting with a third and a late-day third pick. Minnesota could likely pull off a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 sixth-round pick.

If the Minnesota Vikings firmly believe they are in the hunt, let's not waste another year of stellar defensive play and push our chips in the middle. Yes, there are impending quarterback decisions to be made. But with how upside down the NFC has been this season, Minnesota could have a real shot at making an extended playoff push.

Should Minnesota make a blockbuster trade, it should be to get Jonathan Taylor from the Colts. He already has his extension and would fit seamlessly in this offense. This would likely mean that Aaron Jones Sr. hits the trade block, and Jordan Mason remains the backup. This offense would immediately elevate to a top offense in the league, and Minnesota would become a perennial favorite in the NFC.