The 3 Big Stars the Vikings Could Land in Draft Trades
The Minnesota Vikings embark on the NFL draft in 12 days, and if they are in the market for it — maybe, maybe not — the club can use existing draft picks or veteran players in trade arrangements. Minnesota could even net some big fish, with this article examining the possibilities.
Minnesota has a few splashy trade paths if it wants to think bigger.
The unofficial trade block has quite a few names right now; here’s who could realistically land with the Vikings.
Three Bold Trade Scenarios Could Rattle the Vikings’ Draft
A look at the big splash opportunities.
1. De’Von Achane | RB, MIA
What a Deal Might Look Like for Achane:
Vikings Get: De’Von Achane | Pick 151 (R6)
Dolphins Get: Pick 49 (Round 2)
This man recently skipped the Dolphins’ voluntary spring workouts, setting the stage for a possible contractual holdout in the summer. How do holdouts often end? Via trade.
Achane has consistently increased his production each year. As a rookie, he recorded 997 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns, which improved to 1,499 yards and 12 scores in 2024. Last season, he continued this trend with 1,838 yards and another 12 touchdowns.
This upward trajectory suggests that a 2,000-yard season from scrimmage is attainable, especially within a fully optimized 2026 offense. Achane will be 25 in October, putting him squarely in his prime, with several high-level seasons likely ahead.
Furthermore, there’s a direct connection to Minnesota. Vikings assistant head coach Frank Smith spent four seasons in Miami under Mike McDaniel and contributed to Achane’s development. This familiarity is significant when assessing fit. potential usage, and most importantly, trade realism.
If Achane were to become available, Minnesota’s existing connection would likely place them at the forefront of potential suitors.
2. Jalen Carter | DT, PHI
What a Deal Might Look Like for Carter:
Vikings Get: Jalen Carter
Eagles Get: Jonathan Greenard | Pick No. 49 (R2)
The Eagles need outside linebackers. The Vikings have three. The Vikings need defensive tackles. The Eagles have three.
The Eagles may not be able to afford Carter’s extension. The Vikings may not be able to afford Jonathan Greenard’s extension. Here, Howie Roseman and Rob Brzezinski solve each other’s problems.
Carter has logged this Pro Football Focus resume since 2022:
2025: 55.1
2024: 73.3
2023: 87.4
Before the slight 2025 downturn, Carter was steady as they come at defensive tackle, and in theory, the Vikings could use their 18th overall pick on an EDGE replacement — like Auburn’s Keldric Faulk.
Proposed defensive front in 2026:
OLB: Andrew Van Ginkel
DT: Jalen Redmond
DT: Jalen Carter
OLB: Dallas Turner
OLB: Keldric Faulk
It’d work.
Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio noted on Carter’s trade availability last month, “Whenever word emerges that a team is receiving possible trade calls about any player, there’s an important question to ask: Is the team subtly getting the word out that the player is available, in the hopes of getting more calls and, in turn, driving up the market?”
“Carter is currently eligible for a new contract. He’s owed $3.723 million for the coming season. With defensive tackle Jordan Davis getting a three-year extension at a new-money average of $26 million per year on Saturday, it’s possible the Eagles have made a choice as to which one of the two will be paid — and which one could be moved.”
3. Dexter Lawrence | DT, NYG
What a Deal Might Look Like for Lawrence:
Vikings Get: Dexter Lawrence
Giants Get: Pick No. 49 (R2) | Pick No. 163 (R5)
Dexter Lawrence is a sure thing option; Dexter Lawrence requested a trade this week.
At 28 years old, he’s already established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line, banking 30.5 sacks, 103 quarterback hits, 40 tackles for loss, and 15 forced fumbles in 109 career games. A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, he is the type of defensive tackle that opposing offenses must account for on every play.
Therefore, his trade request on Monday sent shockwaves across the league. Widely regarded as the NFL’s premier nose tackle and arguably a top defensive tackle overall, a player of his caliber entering the market could immediately reset the competitive landscape.
For the Vikings, acquiring him seems an obvious move: instead of gambling on unproven talent, they could secure a proven difference-maker in the trenches.
He’ll turn 29 this season, and Minnesota already possesses one of the league’s oldest rosters heading into 2026. While acquiring him would undoubtedly elevate their immediate performance, it would also further age the team.
It’s Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave out, and Lawrence in.
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