Vikings could shake up 2026 draft with blockbuster trade for Pro Bowler

The Minnesota Vikings are in a tough position entering 2026. 

The team has a solid roster, but they have questions at the quarterback spot, and unfortunately play in one of the toughest divisions in football. Other than signing quarterback Kyler Murray, the team has also been fairly quiet in free agency. 

As a result, the team could be looking to make some big moves during the draft. Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports recently identified some big trades that could happen during the 2026 draft, and one involves the Vikings trading for some firepower. 

Vacchiano suggests that the Vikings trade for Miami Dolphins' running back De'Von Achane. The Dolphins have purged their roster of talented veterans this offseason as they dive head-first into a rebuild. As a result, it's not totally out of the question that they would even trade Achane. 

Regarding this potential deal, Vacchiano offered the following: 

The Vikings brought back Aaron Jones, but he's 31 and constantly battling injuries. And while he’s a good receiver out of the backfield, Achane is a great one, a much faster and more dynamic player overall and seven years younger (24). The Dolphins say they want to keep him after he ran for 1,350 yards and caught 67 passes for 488 yards last season. But they have the look of a team undergoing a fire sale, so surely they have their price. Achane will need a contract extension, so maybe a third-round pick and change will do it. The Dolphins would be crazy to say no for a second-rounder.

As Vacchiano mentioned, the Vikings could probably upgrade from veteran Aaron Jones. When you have a questionable quarterback situation, it makes sense to at least upgrade the weapons as much as possible. 

Regarding compensation, Vacchiano suggested that a 2026 third-round pick and a fifth-round pick could be enough to get a deal done. The Vikings would soon have to think about extending Achane, but given his production, that shouldn't be a problem. 

In 2025, Achane rushed for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns, while also catching 67 passes for 488 yards and four touchdowns. The running back is not only an elite runner, but would be a reliable safety valve in the passing game as well. 

This is the type of move the Vikings should make if they want to stay above water in the NFC North. If Murray plays like has in the past, and has weapons like Achane, Justin Jefferson, and T.J. Hockenson, the Vikings could be scary once again. 

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