The Minnesota Vikings have had an extremely rough start to the 2020 season, as their latest loss drops Minnesota to 1-5.

The Vikings controlled much of the game against the Seahawks last week, but in crunch time the Seahawks got a stop on fourth down and then engineered a game-winning drive.

At 1-5 following their loss to the Falcons, Minnesota is in last place in the NFC North.

With the NFL trade deadline coming up, the Vikings look like a team that could actually sell at the deadline. Typically, 1-5 teams are not buyers, but let’s examine why the Vikings should be buyers.

This is the same Minnesota team that gave the first fully-guaranteed contract to a quarterback, in Kirk Cousins. The Vikings also traded multiple picks to acquire Yannick Ngakoue from Jacksonville, in what was viewed as a win-now move.

Minnesota has a few areas it could look to upgrade if the Vikings hope to get back in the race in the NFC North.

Here are four players the Vikings could target ahead of the trade deadline.

Brandon Scherff, Washington Football Team

The Vikings could use an upgrade at guard, and the Washington Football Team may be able to serve as a trade partner.

Washington designated Scherff to return from injured reserve this week, meaning he’ll have the opportunity to return to the field. Scherff has been dealing with an MCL sprain in recent weeks.

Scherff, a 2015 first-round pick, will be a free agent after the season, and the fact that Washington hasn’t locked him up long term means he could be justifiably expendable.

The price wouldn’t be too high, and the Vikings would be able to fill a need midseason.

Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens

Dalvin Cook suffered a groin injury against the Seahawks, causing him to miss part of the game. He also missed the Vikings’ Week 5 game against Atlanta.

Luckily, the injury reportedly isn’t serious.

If the Vikings want to add depth at tail back, they could look to Baltimore, where the Ravens have a stable full of capable backs.

Gus Edwards’ usage in Baltimore has decreased, which was expected after the Ravens took JK Dobbins in the 2020 draft.

Edwards wouldn’t be the bell cow in Minnesota either, but if Cook’s injury were to linger, Edward could provide an additional fallback option.

Andrew Norwell, Jacksonville Jaguars

Another guard who would help the Minnesota Vikings could be Andrew Norwell in Jacksonville.

Norwell was once heralded as an excellent addition for the Jaguars, but ultimately the burden of his free agent contract skewed expectations of him.

In 2018, Norwell signed a five-year contract worth $66.5 million with Jacksonville. In hindsight, Norwell struggled to live up to being the highest paid guard.

In April, Jacksonville restructured Norwell’s contract.

These two teams came together on the trade of Ngakoue less than two months ago, and they could be a match for offensive line depth, as well.

Terrance Mitchell, Cleveland Browns

Vikings cornerback Mike Hughes returned to the field last week after dealing with a neck injury.

Minnesota has had multiple cornerbacks on its injury report as of late, and the Vikings could use some additional depth.

Minnesota could look to another injury-riddled group in the coming weeks as the deadline approaches.

In Cleveland, Terrance Mitchell has had a good season given his opportunities.

Cleveland recently put Greedy Williams on injured reserve, but Denzel Ward has been able to play despite a consistent presence on the injury report.

The Browns may be unwilling to part with Mitchell in light of the Williams news. But if he is available, the Vikings should put in a call for a player who could start or serve as a backup.