Vikings Trade Theories Getting a Bit Ridiculous

Dustin Baker   |  

Feb 1, 2024

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Reddit
• Share on WhatsApp
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

The NFL world is realizing the Minnesota Vikings probably have to select a quarterback with high-round draft capital this April.

So much so that several mock draft entities have linked Minnesota to a splashy trade up the board for a quarterback like Caleb Williams, Drake Maybe, and Jayden Daniels.

Vikings Trade Theories Getting a Bit Ridiculous

And while those theories are fine and dandy — recommended, even — some of the trade swap proposals are a little absurd. Indeed, the cost to trade up the board on draft night into the Top 3 will be chunky, but there must be a cap on the madness.

This week, Bleacher Report dragged the trade pandemonium to new heights, projecting the Vikings’ price to barter with the Chicago Bears for the first overall pick. Long story short, the price is bonkers. Including an NFC North rival tax, BR‘s Brad Gagnon claimed the Vikings’ side of the bargain would be massive. Here’s the hypothetical trade:

That’s six players (picks, in this case) for the price of the top pick, presumably Caleb Williams from USC. Of course, Vikings fans wouldn’t lament the trade in retrospect if Williams later turned generationally productive, but this proposed trade haul is excessive — teetering on downright malarkey.

Gagnon explained, “The leap from the No. 11 spot to the top of the draft is worth a top-five selection, per the chart. The Minnesota Vikings don’t have an extra one of those lying around, so they’d realistically have to surrender their next two first-rounders — if not 2026’s as well — and a boatload of Day 2 capital. If nothing else is on the table, the Bears could become more flexible.”

Vikings fans will gain clarity on the team’s draft plan once a decision is rendered on Kirk Cousins, who is scheduled to hit free agency in six weeks.

Gagnon added, “The Vikings already don’t have a third-round pick this year. If they want to move up for Kirk Cousins’ replacement in April, it’s relatively safe to say they’ll be without additional draft picks on the first two days of both this draft and the next one. Because they’re a division rival of the Bears, it might cost even more than that.”

The Atlanta Falcons, for example, “only” had to donate two 1sts, 2nds, and a 3rd-Rounder for the Bears pick, per Gagnon. Minnesota would truly pay a rival tax.

Overall, Minnesota should swing for the fences with its quarterback plan, but getting utterly carried away must be avoided. The BR proposal is an example of utterly carried away.

The 2024 NFL Draft begins 12 weeks from tonight.

Also Read:
One Former Star WR Could Make Sense for Vikings

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.