Vikings Expert Suggests Trade that could Win 2026 Draft for Minnesota Vikings

It's proven commodity season in the NFL as teams are trading potential for seasoned NFL players across the league. In recent days, NFL franchises have opted to trade draft picks for current players to solidify their 2026 squads.

There's safety in knowing what a team is getting with their draft picks. And while that is a rarity when a team makes a draft selection, it's more common when you add an NFL player in exchange for a pick.

One Vikings analyst listed three stars that the team could trade for ahead of the 2026 NFL draft in addition to what it could cost to add those players. The trades suggested for Minnesota seem like no brainers.

Dustin Baker of Vikings Territory listed Devon Achane as his first potential trade addition for Minnesota, with the Vikings giving up a No. 49 pick to add Achane. Baker wrote on why it makes so much sense.

"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."

The Vikings have already been tied to Notre Dame backup running back Jadarian Price and a potential trade up to add Notre Dame star ball carrier Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL draft. But if you're going to spend a first or second round pick on a player, why not go and get a player who has already had success in the NFL?

Though Achane has plenty of production of which to speak, he also seems to have plenty more carries to give. The 25-year-old running back has a few more seasons in the league should he stay healthy and would likely give a boost to what was a subpar running game a season ago.

The Vikings could trade up for a draft pick, but they could also simply go and get a great player in exchange for a draft pick. We will find out their plans when the draft kicks off on April 23 in Pittsburgh.