Vikings Explore Trades for Dexter Lawrence, Stefon Diggs, and De'Von Achane

Minnesota Vikings rumor mill heats up ahead of NFL Draft with potential deals for Giants DT, free agent WR, and Dolphins RB

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in deep purple, bright gold, and electric blue, conceptually representing the fragmented nature of the Vikings' offseason roster moves.The Vikings' offseason maneuverings take on a cubist, fragmented quality as the team explores bold moves to reshape its roster ahead of the 2026 season.East Rutherford Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly exploring several high-profile trade and free agent options to bolster their roster. The team is said to be interested in acquiring New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, reuniting with former Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and trading for Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane.

Why it matters

The Vikings are coming off a disappointing 2025 season and are looking to reload their roster through the draft and free agency. Adding impact players like Lawrence, Diggs, and Achane could significantly improve the team's chances of returning to the playoffs in 2026 under new head coach Kevin O'Connell.

The details

The Vikings would need to get creative with their salary cap to acquire Lawrence, who is seeking a new contract. One proposed trade would send the 49th and 163rd overall picks to the Giants in exchange for Lawrence and the 37th overall pick. Diggs, a free agent, could provide a homecoming for the former Vikings star, who left the team in 2020. The Dolphins' Achane, a dynamic receiving back, could be acquired for a third-round and fifth-round pick, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Frank Smith.

  • Dexter Lawrence formally requested a trade from the Giants this week, kicking off the John Harbaugh era in New York on a sour note.
  • Stefon Diggs is currently an unrestricted free agent after spending the last six seasons with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans.
  • De'Von Achane skipped the Dolphins' voluntary offseason workouts this week, setting the stage for a potential holdout if he doesn't receive a contract extension.

The players

Dexter Lawrence

A Pro Bowl defensive tackle for the New York Giants who has formally requested a trade from the team.

Stefon Diggs

A former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver who is currently an unrestricted free agent after stints with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans.

De'Von Achane

A dynamic running back for the Miami Dolphins who is seeking a contract extension and could be a trade target for the Vikings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The biggest barrier for the Vikings is the financial side. They'd have to do some serious cap maneuvering to add Lawrence's contract and give him a raise to top-of-the-market DT money.”

— Will Ragatz, Writer

“Diggs' legal trouble is likely why he remains available. He pleaded not guilty to felony strangulation and other criminal charges following an alleged assault of his personal chef. Diggs' attorney, Mitchell Schuster, claims his client is 'completely innocent.'”

— Garrett Podell, Writer

“The Dolphins say they want to keep him after he ran for 1,350 yards and caught 67 passes for 488 yards last season. But they have the look of a team undergoing a fire sale, so surely they have their price.”

— Ralph Vacchiano, Writer

What’s next

The Vikings will need to carefully evaluate the financial implications of acquiring Dexter Lawrence, determine if Stefon Diggs' legal issues are resolved, and decide if trading for De'Von Achane is worth the draft capital. These decisions will be crucial as the team looks to bounce back in 2026.

The takeaway

The Vikings are leaving no stone unturned as they seek to rebuild their roster through trades and free agency ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The potential additions of Lawrence, Diggs, and Achane would significantly upgrade the team's talent on both sides of the ball, but the Vikings will have to navigate complex financial and legal hurdles to make these moves a reality.