It was a shock to every Minnesota Vikings fan when the team decided to pass on selecting a safety in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that might be because they could have bigger plans in mind.
Harrison Smith doesn't appear to be coming back, leaving the starters for the moment to be Josh Metellus and Theo Jackson, with an interesting twist that could be coming for Jackson.
He has been named as a potential candidate to be cut in the past, but now Bleacher Report's writer Moe Moton thinks that if rookie third-round pick Jakobe Thomas can step up to the plate at safety earlier than expected, maybe Jackson should become a trade candidate.
"He could garner interest from the Washington Commanders, who hired Minnesota's former defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, Daronte Jones.
Working directly under Jones, Jackson made strides as a downhill defender, logging 47 tackles (three for loss) and two sacks in 14 contests.
However, Jackson gave up too much ground in coverage, allowing a 131.5 passer rating and a 71.4 percent completion rate.
Regardless of [Jakobe] Thomas' progress through his first offseason in the pros, Minnesota may attempt to trade Jackson because of his limitations on passing downs."
Should the Minnesota Vikings consider trading Theo Jackson in 2026?
During Jackson's four seasons with the Vikings, he has racked up 94 tackles, five pass deflections, two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one field goal block.
Last year was his best season as he played a bigger role on defense with eight starts to his name, ending the year with a career-high 47 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one pass deflection.
Jackson is a projected starter going into the 2026 season, but Thomas could roll in and get his shot at being a full-time starter in the secondary.
While the final decision comes from Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Thomas might force his hand if he plays well in training camp and preseason.
That leaves the Vikings with an interesting situation regarding Jackson and what to do with him if he loses the starting job. Minnesota would love to get something out of him instead of straight-up cutting him.
Washington is an intriguing fit for Jackson, as he knows Jones well, which could at least give the Commanders some depth. The Vikings' compensation expectations would have to be low, as no one would give up more than a fifth or sixth-round pick to acquire Jackson's services.
Minnesota has to let training camp play out before making that kind of decision, but with the right offer, it might be better for the Vikings to throw Thomas out there right away and trade away Jackson.
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