ESPN Suggests Electric Trade Option for the Vikings
ESPN has begun outlining potential trade candidates across the league, and one explosive offensive weapon was even loosely connected to the Minnesota Vikings as a possible team fit.
The analysts Ben Solak and Dan Graziano assembled a list of the top 15 offensive trade candidates. At position number two is Miami’s runner, De’Von Achane. One of the top backs in the league, Achane should command a lucrative contract in the near future. Whether the potentially rebuilding Dolphins are willing to pay him remains to be seen.
Solak and Graziano listed the Vikings as one of three potential team fits, next to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans.
The latter wrote, “The buzz: The league seems to believe the Dolphins are in a full rebuild, which means they’re getting calls on all of their star players. My sense is that they’re far more likely to extend Achane’s contract than to listen to those trade offers, but in their situation, you answer the phone when it rings. So, call any Achane trade a significant long shot that would take an awfully enticing package to get done.”
As a matter of fact, most players are long shots to be traded, but occasionally, deals get done and players and picks change hands. The Dolphins have made several roster changes this offseason, fueling outside speculation about the direction of the roster. Still, Graziano characterized any potential trade as a significant long shot, suggesting Miami is more likely to extend Achane than move him.
Achane is one of the league’s top runners, Solak emphasized.
“The tape: The Dolphins valued Achane highly at the trade deadline, and they will likely do so again. The 24-year-old running back has game-breaking speed, high-volume receiving ability and much better toughness and tackle-breaking skills than his slight frame might suggest. He’s a better — and younger — talent than anyone in the loaded free agent RB market. Achane ran for 1,350 yards and eight scores last season, and his 5.7 yards per carry ranked first in the NFL.”
The 24-year-old entered the league with legit track speed, running the 40-yard dash in the blazing speed of 4.32 seconds.
Unlike many speedsters, the 2023 3rd-rounder has actually transferred that speed to the gridiron. He’s one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the game and every play could change the game. And that is exactly where he’s interesting for the Vikings. Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are both solid, but they aren’t home run threats. Furthermore, Jones might be on the chopping block due to his salary cap hit that has outgrown his on-field production.
In his first two seasons, Achane produced 800 and 907 rushing yards. That number exploded to 1,350 in 2025. His touchdown production has remained steady, starting with 8, followed by 6 in 2024, and back to 8 last season. His career 5.6 yards per carry highlights his elite efficiency and big-play ability.
The Texas A&M alumnus is also a great pass-catcher, having caught 145 passes for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns over the last couple of seasons.
Asked about trading Achane and wideout Jaylen Waddle, new Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, “You never say never, but those are marvelous football players. They’re difference makers. They’re good guys in the locker room. Those are guys that I envision being here for the long-term future. Again, you never say never, but I do want those guys to be part of the football team with the Miami Dolphins. I think they’re guys that you can build around and they help you win.”
If Achane were ever to become realistically available, he would be the type of explosive skill player Minnesota’s offense currently lacks in the backfield.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.