Absurd Vikings Trade Idea Makes the Rounds
Janik Eckardt
|
Vikings fans encounter a lot of uncertainty at the moment, with Kirk Cousins possibly leaving the franchise after six seasons. Like top defender Danielle Hunter, he is scheduled to hit free agency in March. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could re-sign both of them, but if not, their replacements must be acquired via free agency or trade.
Absurd Vikings Trade Idea Makes the Rounds
To get one of the highly-coveted top passers in the draft, the Vikings likely have to spend even more assets than their first-round selection and facilitate a trade into the top three picks. Although they could still pick a QB with their 11th overall pick, they would miss out on the top prospects, those who are viewed as the most promising players.
Such a trade does cost the Vikes a lot. Just last year, the Panthers traded up to secure the first-overall pick and Bryce Young, sending picks 9 and 61 as well as the first-round pick in the following year and the second-rounder in two seasons in addition to receiver D.J. Moore. Two first-rounders, two second-rounders, and an excellent player is a steep price.
A similar trade was proposed by Colin Cowherd, who hosts his show The Herd on Fox. Similar but much crazier. While Moore is a good receiver, Justin Jefferson is the best in the business. Cowherd wants to include him in the trade package. He also added Minnesota’s 11th overall pick and Adofo-Mensah’s costly top selection in 2025. So he basically swapped Moore and a couple of second-rounders for Jefferson.
But here’s the annoyance: In return, the Vikings wouldn’t get the first overall pick and their choice of Caleb Williams or Drake Maye, and they wouldn’t even get the remaining one. The face of the franchise and two first-rounders only secure the third overall pick from the New England Patriots and, with all likelihood, at least in the eyes of most media pundits, Jayden Daniels.
I’ve got an idea. New England’s got the No. 3 pick. What does New England desperately need? A playmaker. Justin Jefferson — switch picks, I’ll give you next year’s (first-rounder) and Justin Jefferson to go from 11 to 3. ‘Cause they’ve already got Jordan Addison, they’ve got the tight end they like (T.J. Hockenson). They’ve got skill players. Next year’s one and Justin Jefferson to move up to the number three spot to get your quarterback.
Colin Cowherd, The Herd
Vikings fans on social media just shook their heads. Former linebacker for the purple team and now sideline reporter Ben Leber tweeted: “This will stay hypothetical.” Others mentioned that they wouldn’t even trade Jefferson straight up for that pick. It should also be noted that the Vikings are such a great spot for a young passer because they employ some fabulous weapons, so shipping them away would be counter-productive.
While this article is not advocating for the outlandish deal, why would the Vikings consider it?
Well, Jefferson’s 2024 is the final year of his rookie contract. A new deal will cost north of $30 million per season. That is a lot of money for every non-quarterback. Of course, he has earned every penny of it after years of excellence.
It would also land the Vikings one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, presumably Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner. He combines wild athleticism with the solid ability to throw the ball.
The Vikings are in an interesting spot as Cousins could return for another season, and even a long-term extension shouldn’t be ruled out at this point. In that case, it isn’t necessary to mortgage the organization’s future to secure his successor.
Just as likely is his departure, which would require some more urgency to fill the void. Nobody wants to enter the season with Nick Mullens as the best option. But even in that case, drafting someone from the second tier like J.J. McCarthy, Bo Nix, or Michael Penix could pay dividends, and it doesn’t cost a ridiculous price.
Rumors and new reports surface daily at this point in the offseason. Just last week during the Senior Bowl, the Vikings understandably watched Nix and Penix throw. Also gossiped is the potential we don’t care attitude when it comes to the cost of trading up.
There will be many more trade scenarios and speculations in the next few months until the draft arrives on April 25. But first, the Vikings will decide on Cousins’ future.
Vikings GM Draws Laughable Criticism
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
You must be logged in to post a comment.