Rumors won’t die down for the Minnesota Vikings anytime soon, especially as the franchise has nine draft picks in 2026 and a few tradeable players. So, we present the Purple Rumor Mill for the second week of free agency,
Minnesota has no shortage of intrigue this week.
This week mainly focuses on trades and the draft.
Fresh Trade Buzz and Draft Fodder in Vikings’ Rumor Mill
All the gossip in the purple team’s orbit from the last few days.
Rumor: If the Dolphins trade RB De’Von Achane, the Vikings should be at the front of the line.
The Dolphins shipped Jaylen Waddle to Denver for draft picks this week, which is just another sign they’re finagling a full roster reboot. Now that Waddle’s gone — and with Bradley Chubb, Tyreek Hill, and others already out the door — folks are wondering who’s next. Achane’s name keeps popping up, not because Miami’s trying to get rid of him, but because a player like that gets a lot of attention.
Achane’s connection to Minnesota makes things even more interesting. Vikings assistant head coach Frank Smith spent four seasons in Miami and played a big role in shaping Achane’s role in their offense. So, there’s familiarity, there’s trust, and they already know how to use him.
If Achane becomes available, Minnesota should go all-in. Last season, he racked up 1,838 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns, proving just how dangerous he can be when he’s a key part of the offense. At 5’9,” 190 pounds, with 4.32 speed, and only 24 years old, he’s got that rare burst and big-play potential that can really change an offense.
If there’s even a small chance Achane could be on the move, the coach who helped develop him should bring him to Minnesota.
Rumor: Pioneer Press’s Charley Walters insists J.J. McCarthy could be traded.
Walters dropped his version of a bombshell in the Vikings’ discourse last weekend, claiming McCarthy could be traded.
He explained, “Now that Kyler Murray seems set to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback next season, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team entertains a trade for J.J. McCarthy. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns seem like teams that might have an interest in McCarthy, potentially as a starter.”
“The Los Angeles Chargers, coached by Jim Harbaugh, who coached McCarthy to a national championship at Michigan in 2004, would seem a third possibility as a backup to Justin Herbert. The Chargers do not have a designated backup QB. Last season, it was Trey Lance from Marshall, Minn. A trade for McCarthy would require a high enough draft pick. Don’t be surprised, if the Vikings were to trade McCarthy, if they bring Carson Wentz back to play behind Murray.”
The Arizona Cardinals could also make sense for McCarthy; their QB plan at the moment is Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. Pew.
Generally speaking, however, it’s probably more likely that Minnesota hangs on to McCarthy, saving him for a rainy day, as Murray’s injury history isn’t spotless.
Rumor: Dillon Thieneman, beyond the shadow of a doubt, is the Vikings’ draft frontrunner in March.
Without any debate, Thieneman is the current mock-draft favorite for Minnesota — by a mile.
USA Today’s Nate Davis picked Thieneman for Minnesota this week and explained, “With Harrison Smith’s future in doubt, Thieneman would make sense as both a short- and long-term solution. One of the combine’s standouts, the Ducks All-American is a rangy player who can be weaponized all over the field.”
And at NFL.com, Eric Edholm did the same thing: “Defensive tackle is a glaring need for the Vikings, who also could stand to add a receiver, but safety looms as a big worry if Harrison Smith retires. Thieneman is smart, athletic and a strong tackler — a nice schematic fit for coordinator Brian Flores.”
Then, The Athletic. Alec Lewis on Thursday with Thieneman to Minnesota: “Will Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores want to use a first-rounder on a safety? Minnesota passed on Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori last year. The Vikings might have a bigger need this time around given what they saw from safety Theo Jackson last season, and considering Harrison Smith’s future might be more uncertain.”
“Thieneman has ball skills. His read-and-react ability would fit nicely in a system that often allows defenders to keep eyes on the quarterback. The Vikings could look for a defensive lineman at this spot, but it’s difficult to settle on one who is a no-brainer type of fit.”
Mel Kiper at ESPN also fired up Thieneman to the Vikings. He’s everywhere.
