Separating fact from fiction in pre-draft Vikings speculation, including Harrison Smith trade rumors and Jonathan Allen interest.
With the 2026 NFL Draft three weeks away, the usual wave of Minnesota Vikings-related rumors has reached fever pitch. While some speculation carries merit, several prominent storylines circulating this week appear to be more fiction than fact, according to league sources.
The most persistent rumor involves veteran safety Harrison Smith potentially joining the Chicago Bears. However, multiple sources close to the Vikings organization indicate no substantive discussions have occurred. Smith, who carries a $10.85 million cap hit in 2026, remains under contract through the 2027 season with $6.2 million guaranteed. Given Minnesota's current cap space of approximately $14.2 million, moving Smith would create significant relief but would leave a massive hole at safety alongside Josh Metellus.
Per Adam Schefter, the Bears have shown interest in veteran defensive backs, but their focus appears centered on cornerback options rather than safety depth. Chicago signed Kevin Byard to a two-year, $15 million deal in March, making another veteran safety addition unlikely.
Another circulating rumor connects former Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to Minnesota. Allen, who recorded 6.5 sacks and 31 pressures in 2025 according to Pro Football Focus, was released by Washington in March to create $17.5 million in cap savings. However, sources indicate Allen's asking price remains in the $12-14 million range annually, well beyond the Vikings' current financial flexibility.
Minnesota's interior pass rush ranked 24th in pressure rate last season at 31.2%, per PFF. While Allen would address that need, the Vikings appear more likely to target the position through the draft, where Georgia's Mykel Williams and Alabama's Tim Keenan represent potential Day 2 options.
The most intriguing rumor involves undrafted rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane from Virginia Tech. Multiple mock drafts have connected Delane to Minnesota as a priority free agent signing, citing his 4.38 40-yard dash and 14 pass breakups in 2025. However, league sources suggest the Vikings' UDFA priorities lie elsewhere, particularly at offensive line and linebacker depth.
With Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaquill Griffin locked in as starters, plus Akayleb Evans and Mekhi Blackmon providing depth, cornerback represents a lower priority than interior offensive line help. The Vikings worked out six offensive linemen at their local pro day, including Minnesota's John Michael Schmitz Jr.
Looking ahead to the April 25-27 draft, expect Minnesota to address pass rush and offensive line depth in the first three rounds. Their selection at No. 23 overall will likely target either edge rusher or interior offensive line, depending on how the board falls. The team holds seven total picks, including two fourth-rounders acquired in trades during the 2025 season.
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