These 3 Teams Are Lurking behind Vikings for QB
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings won’t be the only team eyeing the draftboard for a splashy trade involving a quarterback of the future.
These 3 Teams Are Lurking behind Vikings for QB
SI.com’s Albert Breer said this week on The Dan Patrick Show, “The Giants, the Raiders, the Vikings and I think the Broncos are lurking as dark horse. Four teams that could be in the market to move up and the Cardinals sitting there at four with a real chance to turn that pick into a lot more picks.”
And here’s why Minnesota must box them out.
1. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos made their bed, and sleeping in it involves finding an affordable quarterback solution to offset Russell Wilson’s financial tyranny. Denver is on the hook for $85 million in Wilson-themed dead cap — yes, you read that right — so a rookie quarterback or Jarrett Stidham are the only paths forward. No matter what, QB1 must be cheap for the next few years in Denver.
In February, KFAN’s Paul Allen said on the Broncos’ adoration for J.J. McCarthy, “There is just a little bit of steam that is beginning to emerge locally that Sean Payton loves J.J. McCarthy … [Payton] covets the next Drew Brees. So just keep that in mind, ya know, when you’re thinking 11.”
So, Denver must be boxed out.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
Listen — the Raiders may be content with the Gardner Minshew experience as a standalone solution. Stranger things have happened, and Las Vegas skipper Antonio Pierce might just adore his QB1.
Meanwhile, Aidan O’Connell experienced a lot of action as a rookie, and the club could be high on him, too. But outwardly, a Minshew-O’Connell sandwich doesn’t seem too promising in a league where superstar QB solutions are coveted.
Therefore, while it’s fine and dandy to think, “Hey, the Raiders probably love Minshew and O’Connell!” that could be best-laid plans and false assurances from folks like Vikings fans. Las Vegas cannot be ruled out as Vikings competition for a rookie quarterback.
3. New York Giants
Head coach Brian Daboll’s job depends on Daniel Jones’ development — probably in 2024. If Jones can take the next step in 2024, well, Daboll will be in a good spot.
He could, instead, hedge the bet, convincing his superiors to “do both”: remain all-in on Jones but with a side-dish contingency plan in the aforementioned McCarthy, for example.
This one is a longshot because the Giants just handed Jones an impressive extension last year. New York should probably draft a wide receiver like Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze and let the chips fall with Jones. Conversely, preparing for life after Jones sooner than everyone thought checks some boxes, too.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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