Report: Vikings Trade for QB Snagged on One Item
There’s still time to hash out a compromise or move on to a different trade partner, but a would-be Minnesota Vikings up the draftboard is reportedly snagged by a familiar obstacle.
Report: Vikings Trade for QB Snagged on One Item
And that’s an “extra” 1st-Round pick in 2025.
On March 15th, Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensh conducted a trade, sending two 2nd-Round picks to Houston for the Texans’ 2024 1st-Rounder (Pick No. 23) and a late-round pick swap. Kirk Cousins left for the Atlanta Falcons two days prior, and fresh off his departure, Minnesota quickly grabbed another 1st-Round pick, presumably to make trade business easier in finding his replacement.
But one NFL writer claims if the Arizona Cardinals are the trade partner, a hurdle is present. Outkick’s Armando Salguero explained Tuesday about Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort and a trade with Arizona: “Ossenfort has in conversations made it known it’s in the best interest of the Cardinals to pick up three first-round picks in exchange for the No. 4 overall selection, if he has to drop a significant amount in the first round.”
If Minnesota can climb to Arizona’s spot, it would be guaranteed the fourth quarterback off the board — probably Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.
“The fact the Cardinals are floating three first-round picks in return for their pick in what basically would be a trade for J.J. McCarthy is an open secret now. And this is where the perfect scenario hits obstacles. Because the Vikings aren’t enthusiastic about giving up three first-round picks, with two of those coming in the same draft, to improve eight spots in the draft,” Salguero added.
Many Vikings fans believe three 1st-Rounders — two in 2024 and one in 2025 — may be the asking price for Drake Maye and the New England Patriots at No. 3. However, that much capital at No. 4 for McCarthy is a bit of a brave new world. There’s also the matter of next year’s draft placement. Minnesota isn’t likely to finish 2024 with a marvelous record, meaning it would like to hang onto its organic pick.
Vikings owner Mark Wilf said in March about the team’s quarterback plan, “When it comes to the quarterback position, it’s certainly critical, and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and coach Kevin O’Connell are working hard. We’ve got a plan, and Sam Darnold is part of it. We’re excited he’s in the building, and we’re excited we have two first-round picks, so we’ll see where it all goes. We have a lot of flexibility, and we’ll see what happens.”
Regarding “flexibility,” Adofo-Mensah has echoed the same sentiment, so donating three 1st-Rounders to Arizona may not be required if Minnesota, for example, also likes Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. later in the draft.
The good news? Should the Vikings absolutely cherish McCarthy — or Maye, if he falls to the fourth spot — at least they know the asking price. Three 1st-Rounders or bust.
The NFL draft is 15 days away.
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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