Seahawks, Packers, Vikings and Giants named top landing spots for Chargers 779-yard trade candidate originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to kick off next Thursday in Pittsburgh, and an NFL analyst believes a running back on the Los Angeles is a possible draft day trade candidate.
Sportsnaut's Matt Johnson believes the Chargers could look to deal Kimani Vidal, who should have a solid trade market after a promising 2025 campaign.
"The 2026 NFL Draft class is unusually thin at running back, and with Vidal carrying just a $1.075 million cap hit this season, he’s an ideal target for teams in need of a 1B for their backfield committee," Johnson said.
Though Vidal had 643 rushing yards and 3 scores on 4.1 yards per carry this past season, the 24-year-old is expendable. Omarion Hampton is set to return as the Chargers' top back after an injury-riddled rookie year, and Los Angeles also signed Keaton Mitchell this offseason, who could establish himself as the RB2.
If Mitchell earns the backup spot behind Hampton, Los Angeles could keep Vidal as the RB3, but trading him and getting some value back for a young player with potential would be a savvy move by general manager Joe Hortiz.
As for where Vidal could land in a possible trade, Johnson lists the Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Giants as the top trade destinations.
Seattle lost Kenneth Walker to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency and has yet to effectively replace the Super Bowl MVP. Vidal would immediately step in as the starter in the Seahawks' running back room over Emmanuel Wilson and fill in well until Zach Charbonnet is able to return from a torn ACL.
Green Bay could look to trade for Vidal to pair with Josh Jacobs. The Troy product would add some youth and versatility to the Packers' running back room.
Minnesota is set to return a backfield of Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in 2026. However, if the Vikings want to make a move in the position group, acquiring Vidal to compete for the starting role could be something the team explores.
Finally, New York doesn't have a bona fide starter in the backfield, especially with Cam Skattebo coming off a dislocated ankle. Vidal could emerge as an option for the Giants, who must field a strong run game in 2026 to help quarterback Jaxson Dart.
After a near-800 scrimmage yard season in 2025, Los Angeles should look to feature Vidal in some kind of role this year, but they could have different plans. It's not out of the realm of possibilities that he's on the move in the near future.
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