Vikings analysts ponder a trade for explosive running back Devon Achane, eyeing a dynamic addition to bolster Minnesota's backfield.
The NFL trade market was abuzz on Monday. The moves came in lieu of an impending franchise tag deadline on Tuesday. One team that would probably like to be involved in trades if they can is the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings have a big season ahead as they look to improve from a 9-8 season with better than 9-8 talent in 2026. They will need to improve around the quarterback position.
The starting quarterback for the Vikings is still to be determined as the team weighs who to add other than what they already have in starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy and veteran backup Carson Wentz. Presumably they will improve greatly, but will still want to add surrounding talent outside the position.
One way the team might improve is by adding a running back given what the team lacks at the position. Chris Schad of Zone Coverage discussed the likelihood that the Vikings could trade for Miami Dolphins ball carrier Devon Achane.
Miami Dolphins running back DeVon Achane (28) rushes ahead of Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images"The Minnesota Vikings have always had a desire to be relevant, but it’s hard to believe they wanted to be the talk of the NFL Scouting Combine last week. Minnesota’s quarterback situation dominated most of the speculation, with free agency unofficially opening when the league’s tampering period began on March 9. Still, there’s a slew of other moves they need to make to get back to the playoffs. Trading for De’Von Achane might be one of them.
One of those areas includes the running game. The Vikings made one big move by informing Aaron Jones that he will be released barring a trade before the official start of the league year on March 11. While Jordan Mason remains on the roster, Minnesota is looking for an explosive complement. With a deep free-agent class, the Vikings will have options. But the Wilf family may feel gunshy about throwing money at the problem after watching over $300 million in cash result in a 4-8 record during former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s spending spree. ...
Achane seems to be untouchable at the moment because new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan are trying to turn the Miami Dolphins into 'Green Bay South.' But while NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry heard that the Dolphins would like to build around Achane and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, there are a few reasons he could be open to a trade to Minnesota."
Whether or not the team can add Achane, they will likely add somebody to carry the football for the team, at least through the NFL draft if not through free agency. We'll monitor where the team goes from here.