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RB Trades the Vikings Could Pull Off after the Draft

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Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright against the Bills in 2025
Nov 9, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (5) during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images.

Most Minnesota Vikings fans hope the franchise drafts a running back somewhat early in the draft; the franchise is long overdue. But what if they don’t? Or what if they don’t pick one until Round 7, in which case the selection is a fool’s errand? The club might turn to trade options.

Minnesota may need a backup plan if the draft board breaks poorly.

Believe it or not, a handful of young running backs might be gettable via trade.

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Several Young Backs Could Enter the Trade Conversation

Ranked in ascending order, these are the most likely running back trade targets for the Vikings if they strike out in the draft (No. 1 = most realistic option).

Braelon Allen warms up before a game against the Bills at MetLife Stadium. vikings rb trade targets
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen takes the field during pregame warmups at MetLife Stadium, moving through early routines as teammates prepare for kickoff, with the scene unfolding on Sep 14, 2025 in East Rutherford. The rookie back readies for action against the Buffalo Bills as New York opens another AFC East matchup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

9. Braelon Allen (NYJ)

Breece Hall was slated to become a free agent this offseason, and because the Jets seemed hellbent on starting over — trading Sauce Gardner was the evidence — many expected Hall to depart. Then, that didn’t happen.

The decision keeps Allen squarely in an RB2 role. If the Vikings dangled a draft pick in front of New York, they might be able to capture the Wisconsin alumnus and feature him more prominently than New York.

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8. Jonathon Brooks (CAR)

Injuries have utterly ravaged Brooks’s career, tripping him up to the point that he has never taken an NFL snap, despite a lofty forecast heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Panthers have Chuba Hubbard employed as the RB1, along with Trevor Etienne, who was a 4th-Rounder last year. Brooks won’t cost much via trade, and his upside, if healthy, is through the roof.

7. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS)

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The Commanders could draft Jeremiyah Love next week and totally place Croskey-Merritt on the back burner. Washington also has Rachaad White and Jerome Ford in the house at running back. Drafting Love would create a crowded house, perhaps making Croskey-Merritt expendable.

The rookie from last year showed some glimpses of brilliance; he’d need a new home if Washington invests in Love.

6. Ollie Gordon (MIA)

The Vikings’ new assistant head coach is a man named Frank Smith, and we worked with Gordon last year in Miami where Smith served as the offensive coordinator.

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De’Von Achane apparently isn’t for sale, but Gordon might be. He posted 4 touchdowns last year on 77 touches.

5. Tyjae Spears (TEN)

Scroll up to the Croskey-Merritt spot and recall the Jeremiyah Love angle.

The Titans could draft Love at Pick No. 4 on Thursday, creating a backfield of Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears, and Jeremiyah Love. Per touches, Spears would be the odd man out if Tennessee opted to keep Pollard’s veteran presence.

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Sending Spears to Minnesota for a 6th-Rounder could work.

4. Trey Benson (ARI)

Speaking of crowded running back rooms, the Cardinals now have Tyler Allgeier, James Conner, and Benson, whose career has been rattled by injuries, like the aforementioned Brooks, who came from the same draft, believe it or not.

In Year No. 3, Benson is on tap to face a reduced workload with more cooks in the kitchen. The Cardinals wouldn’t re-up with Conner and sign Allgeier if they were in love with Benson. He could be available via trade.

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3. Dylan Sampson (CLE)

Geno Stone tackles Dylan Sampson during a game at Paycor Stadium. vikings rb trade targets
Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone brings down Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson after a reception during first-quarter action at Paycor Stadium, with the play occurring on Jan 4, 2026 in Cincinnati. The defensive stop halts forward momentum as both teams battle for early control in a divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images.

Cleveland drafted two tailbacks last year, Sampson from Tennessee and Quinshon Judkins from Ohio State. As expected, Judkins took the RB1 baton before a season-ending injury. Judkins very much looked the part of a steady RB1. In theory, if the Browns drafted another running back next week, the Vikings could call about Sampson’s price tag.

2. Kaleb Johnson (PIT)

Pittsburgh spent a 3rd-Rounder on Johnson last April, and he later played 51 snaps on offense, which was just bizarre for a team that didn’t have an elite RB1 ahead of him on the depth chart. Outwardly, Johnson is trending as a draft bust, but maybe he just needs snaps.

The Steelers, in the meantime, have Jaylen Warren back as the RB1 and also signed Rico Dowdle from the Carolina Panthers in March. Johnson is the clear-cut RB3 in Pittsburgh. He’d have a more advantageous outlook elsewhere if traded.

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1. Jaylen Wright (MIA)

Note the Frank Smith connection above; this guy is the Dolphins’ RB2 at the moment. Ollie Gordon could take his spot this summer, and Wright would be buried as the RB3 or need a new employer.

Jaylen Wright runs the ball during a game against the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. vikings rb trade targets
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright carries the ball through traffic during second-quarter play against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, with the moment unfolding on Jan 4, 2026 in Foxborough. Wright navigates the defense as Miami looks to sustain drives in a late-season AFC East contest on the road. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images.

Wright has 4.38 speed. He’s tallied about 600 yards from scrimmage in two seasons. The guy needs more touches. There’s a decent chance the Vikings could allow it if they swing and miss on a running back in the draft.

Wright turned 23 two weeks ago.


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Manchester United Edge Chelsea as Cunha Strike Boosts Champions League Hopes

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Manchester United moved closer to Champions League qualification after Matheus Cunha’s first-half goal helped them beat struggling Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s poor run continued as they suffered their fourth straight Premier League defeat, a streak they have only matched once this century. They have not scored in any of those games and last found the net on 4 March.

Despite the loss, Chelsea will feel unlucky. They hit the woodwork three times through Estevao Willian, Liam Delap, and Wesley Fofana. Willian also had to go off early with another hamstring injury after just 16 minutes.

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Chelsea dominated much of the game, having more possession, more shots, and more shots on target. Their expected goals (xG) was also higher, but they failed to convert their chances.

United, however, took their moment. Bruno Fernandes set up the goal with a smart cut-back, and Cunha finished first time to score the winner. It was Fernandes’ 18th league assist of the season, just two short of the Premier League record.

The win was only Manchester United’s second league victory at Stamford Bridge since 2002, and their fans celebrated loudly.

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There were mixed reactions in the stadium. United supporters booed Alejandro Garnacho on his return to face his former club, while Chelsea fans voiced their frustration, chanting “we want our Chelsea back.” Mason Mount’s late introduction also drew jeers from the home crowd.

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Matt Fitzpatrick has flipped script on Scottie Scheffler at RBC Heritage

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James Toney predicts Jaron Ennis vs Xander Zayas: “He’s about to get ruined”

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James Toney has predicted a devastating outcome for one half of Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis, questioning what the result would mean for his future in the sport.

The pair will collide for Zayas’ WBO and WBA world super-welterweight titles on June 27, headlining a card at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn.

Despite him being a unified champion, many are wondering whether this is a step too far for the Puerto Rican, who comes off a split decision victory over Abass Baraou.

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Regardless of the scorecards, Zayas was able to dominate large spells of their encounter in January, before adding the WBA strap to his collection.

Against Ennis, though, the 23-year-old is set to face his toughest opponent by some distance, hoping to pull off what would be a sizable upset.

Having previously unified the welterweight division, orchestrating an emphatic sixth-round finish over Eimantas Stanionis, Ennis is certainly no stranger to a challenge of this nature.

While considering this, and indeed the overall skillset of ‘Boots’, Hall of Famer Toney finds it difficult to envision Zayas retaining his titles.

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In fact, the former three-weight world champion has told MillCity Boxing that Ennis could even harm the promising career of his opponent.

“‘Boots’ [is] a bad motherf**ker. This kid [Zayas] is about to get ruined. He ain’t ready. He’s a good fighter, but he’s not there yet.”

This represents Ennis’ second outing at 154lbs, following his first-round demolition job against Uisma Lima in October.

Zayas, on the other hand, is a fully-fledged operator at the weight, having crafted a 23-0 (13 KOs) record with his sharp footwork and prolific jab.

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3 moments that generated a buzz among fans in Match 27 ft. Abhishek Sharma 

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SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 10 runs on Saturday, April 18, in match 27 of the ongoing IPL 2026. SRH posted 194/9 in 20 overs after being put to bat first at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Opener Abhishek Sharma led the charge with a blazing 59 off 22 at a strike rate of 268.18. Heinrich Klaasen also slammed a half-century, contributing 59 off 39. However, the hosts lost momentum in the death overs, scoring just 17 runs while losing four wickets in the last three overs. Anshul Kamboj and Jamie Overton took three scalps each.

CSK’s batting let them down in the run chase. Matthew Short was the top run-scorer with 34 off 30 at an underwhelming strike rate of 113.33. Chennai needed 18 runs from the final over with three wickets in hand. Praful Hinge bowled the crucial over and gave just seven runs while taking one wicket.

Eshan Malinga was the pick of the SRH bowlers. The Sri Lankan pacer was named the Player of the Match, recording excellent figures of 4-0-29-3. Hyderabad moved to the top four following the win.

The Ishan Kishan-led side are currently fourth in the table with three wins and as many losses in six matches. CSK, on the other hand, occupy the seventh spot after two wins from six fixtures.

Here, we look at three moments from the clash that generated a buzz among the fans.

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#3 Abhishek Sharma launches onslaught against Matthew Short

Abhishek Sharma took Matthew Short to the cleaners in the powerplay to get SRH off to a flying start. Travis Head took a single on the first ball of the fifth over, getting Abhishek on strike against the part-time off-spinner.

The southpaw slammed a hat-trick of fours to put the Australian all-rounder under pressure. Short failed to bounce back as Abhishek’s onslaught continued. The hard-hitting batter hit back-to-back sixes in the remaining two deliveries.

Abhishek completed a 15-ball half-century with his six on the final ball of the over. He slammed the fastest fifty by an SRH player in IPL history, bettering his 16-ball half-century against Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2024.


#2 Mukesh Choudhary’s twin strikes to end SRH’s powerplay

Left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary was added to CSK’s playing XI with Khaleel Ahmed ruled out due to injury. He made an early impact in the game, taking two important wickets in the powerplay.

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He dismissed Travis Head with a full-toss while bowling from around the wicket. The opening batter hit it down the ground but miscued it. Ruturaj Gaikwad completed a brilliant diving catch to end the hard-hitting batter’s knock.

Choudhary struck again on the very next delivery, sending back Ishan Kishan for a golden duck. The SRH skipper was caught by Gaikwad at mid-off while looking to clear the in-field.


#1 Heinrich Klaasen takes a blinder to dismiss Ayush Mhatre

Ayush Mhatre gave CSK some hope with a quick-fire cameo. The youngster scored 30 off 13 before perishing to Nitish Reddy in the fifth over. He attempted to clear mid-off on the fourth ball.

However, he ended up mistiming it and didn’t get enough distance. Heinrich Klaasen ran towards his left and jumped in the air to pluck out a stunning catch. Watch the video:

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