Vikings Rumor Mill: Javon Hargrave Trade, Free Agency Buzz, and a Zimmer Comeback?
The 2026 NFL Combine is in full swing, and the Minnesota Vikings’ rumor mill is showing no signs of slowing down. With free agency just around the corner, the speculation is intensifying. Several storylines are converging: crucial cap decisions, a potential reshuffling of the interior defensive line, and the surprising possibility of a familiar coaching name returning to the sidelines. This week’s report dives into a potential trade, a promising free agency target, and the re-emergence of Mike Zimmer.
Rumor: Vikings Considering Trading Javon Hargrave
The Vikings are reportedly exploring trade options for defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. NFL insider Jordan Schultz tweeted on Tuesday that the team has engaged in trade discussions with other teams regarding the two-time Pro Bowler. Hargrave started 15 games last season and recorded 3.5 sacks in his first year with Minnesota.
NFL writer Logan Ulrich noted that a trade could be a beneficial outcome for the Vikings, as $3 million of Hargrave’s salary is guaranteed for the upcoming year. While productive, Hargrave didn’t quite live up to the expectations set when he joined the team. His previous contract with San Francisco included base salaries of $19.9 million and $21.65 million, but he was later released with a post-June 1 designation.
At 33 years old, Hargrave has been a frequent subject of cut or trade speculation for weeks, and an outcome seems increasingly likely.
Rumor: John Franklin-Myers as a Potential Free Agency Target
In a recent mailbag segment, The Athletic’s Alec Lewis identified Denver Broncos defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers as a potential free agent candidate for the Vikings. Lewis highlighted positional priorities, noting that quarterback is the top need, with safeties and centers potentially addressed with veteran signings. Running back and defensive line are likely next in line.
Lewis suggested that the Vikings could be aggressive in pursuing a defensive lineman if they manage to keep quarterback costs down. Franklin-Myers has been projected to command around $54 million over three seasons by Daniel Popper of The Athletic.
Here’s a look at Franklin-Myers’s Pro Football Focus grades:
- 2018: 65.1
- 2019: DNP
- 2020: 71.5
- 2021: 80.3
- 2022: 82.6
- 2023: 70.4
- 2024: 78.3
- 2025: 61.9
Franklin-Myers could potentially fill the void left by a Hargrave trade. Spotrac projects his next contract at approximately $7.9 million annually, a manageable figure. However, he will turn 30 in September, and the Vikings may prioritize younger prospects in the upcoming draft, with Caleb Banks, Kayden McDonald, and Peter Woods as potential options.
In 2025, the Vikings made significant investments in their defensive line, acquiring Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. While both players were serviceable, their impact was ultimately underwhelming. Jalen Redmond emerged as a consistently reliable performer, arguably ranking second only to Justin Jefferson in overall impact on the team.
Rumor: Mike Zimmer Considering a Return to Coaching with the Broncos
Former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who retired last year, is reportedly contemplating a return to the NFL. NBC Sports’ Josh Alper reported that Zimmer recently met with the Denver Broncos about a senior coaching assistant position on Sean Payton’s staff. There is reportedly mutual interest in a potential agreement.
Zimmer and Payton previously worked together on the Cowboys’ coaching staff from 2003-2005. The prospect of Zimmer joining Payton, a figure widely disliked in Minnesota, would undoubtedly be a captivating storyline for Vikings fans.
