Rumor Mill: Vikings’ Main Trade Asset, Brian Flores’s Future, Roster Needs
The Minnesota Vikings are winding down the first week of organized team activities (OTAs), as the calendar turns to June and training camp is about eight weeks away. Accordingly, it’s time to peek at this week’s rumors, which float a big-name trade piece, speculate on Brian Flores’s future, and outline what Minnesota might target in free agency, if anything, this summer.
It’s the Purple Rumor Mill for May 30th — the OTAs edition.
Vikings Rumors Touch Addison, Flores, and Free Agent Help
Rumor: If the Vikings trade any players this summer, Jordan Addison tops the list of candidates, according to Bleacher Report.
Pro Football Network last week analyzed one player per franchise who could be traded this summer, and Addison was that guy for Minnesota. Jacob Infante wrote, “Rather than continue to improve in Year 3, Jordan Addison saw his production drop in 2025, finishing with a career-low 71.0 PFSN WR Impact Score and posting career-low numbers in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.”
“He missed three games due to suspension last year, and he was arrested for trespassing in January. His drop in production and off-field concerns could make him a trade candidate for the Minnesota Vikings.”
Addison temporarily lived the trade rumor mill earlier in the offseason, but when Minnesota locked his fifth-year option and selected no rookie WRs in the draft, the theories went silent. For at least a minute, they are back, per PFSN.
The Vikings should probably just enjoy their Justin Jefferson, Jauan Jennings, and Addison trio before ruining it.
Rumor: Brian Flores’s lawsuit against the NFL could last years longer, meaning he might just stay with the Vikings.
Flores is suing the NFL over its hiring practices following his dismissal from the Miami Dolphins in 2022 and the subsequent head-coaching search. This week, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt the league a setback by moving the case closer to a courtroom showdown, though that showdown could still be years away.
ProFootballTalk.com‘s Mike Florio observed Tuesday, “Obviously, the league wants the forum to be its in-house arbitration process. It keeps things secret, and it tips the scales of justice in the league’s favor. But, no, the NFL won’t suddenly surrender. It will aggressively challenge Flores at every turn, with the goal of securing a victory without having to take the case to trial.”
“When will that happen? It could take months. Maybe years. After all, it took nearly 52 months to get the case past the threshold question of whether the claims will be resolved in court or in arbitration.”
BET’s Tamara Brown added more context: “Since the suit was first filed, two other Black coaches have joined the fight. Steve Wilks joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 after the team fired him after just one season. His lawyers say he was brought in as a ‘bridge coach’ and never given a real chance to win.”
“The team replaced him with Kliff Kingsbury. Ray Horton also joined, claiming the Tennessee Titans gave him a sham interview in 2016 before hiring Mike Mularkey. Both teams deny the allegations, but now all of these claims will be picked apart in a courtroom.”
It’s terrible for Flores that he doesn’t receive legitimate head coaching attention, but it’s not the worst thing in the world for the Vikings and their fans. Bittersweet.
Rumor: Minnesota could target a center, EDGE rusher, and safety in summer free agency.
This tweet made the rounds this week:
At OLB, the options may look like this:
- Derek Barnett
- Joey Bosa
- Jadeveon Clowney
- Marcus Davenport
- Leonard Floyd
- Cameron Jordan
- Von Miller
- Yannick Ngakoue
- Haason Reddick
- Kyle Van Noy
The center spot is a bit less fun in free-agency speak:
- James Daniels
- Ethan Pocic
The club could also give Blake Brandel and an extended trial and hope for the best.
And at safety for free-agent options:
- Jamal Adams
- Ashtyn Davis
- Quandre Diggs
- Rayshawn Jenkins
- Jordan Poyer
- Jabrill Peppers
- Taylor Rapp
- Xavier Woods
- Donovan Wilson
Harrison Smith may come back, but there isn’t really a concrete timeline for that decision. Vikings fans should prepare for all possibilities, including the likelihood that Smith may have already played his final NFL game.
The safety group’s performance depends on several factors, with health being a significant concern. Josh Metellus struggled with a torn labrum for most of the 2025 season and did not perform at his usual level. However, the situation could improve if rookie Jakobe Thomas is ready to step up and contribute immediately. For now, that remains hopeful speculation rather than a certainty.
Jay Ward and Theo Jacksona are in the mix, as well.
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