Vikings Trade Partner Might Be Locked and Loaded
As the tumultuous first wave of free agency slowly dwindles, the NFL world looks ahead at the draft. The three-day event will kick off on April 25 when the Chicago Bears are on the clock, presumably selecting Caleb Williams with their first overall pick. The Washington Commanders and New England Patriots follow. For now.
Vikings Trade Partner Might Be Locked and Loaded
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has accumulated a pair of first-rounders. Those valuable assets put him in a prime position to trade up into the top draft choices, allowing him to pick one of the top four QBs.
However, he must find one organization willing to trade down to facilitate such a trade. Comments from the fourth-placed Cardinals and a metaphorical open-for-business sign have been shared in the past. At the same time, the Chargers have also been rumored to be interested in picking twice in the top round instead of just fifth overall.
Vikings fans covet the Patriots’ third choice because it guarantees them the third quarterback in the draft rather than choosing the remaining fourth guy. Of course, that comes with a higher price, and the Patriots also need a passer, as Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe are not the long-term options after years of Mac Jones.
Patriots’ new head coach, Jerod Mayo, made some fascinating comments on Monday, allowing Vikings fans to dream of picking third overall.
“Obviously, quarterback is definitely a priority. With that being said, we’re still open to any type of deals that come our way,” Mayo said and added: “We’re open to trading the pick. … If someone offers a bag — a lot of first-round picks — we’ll have that conversation.”
Vikings fans know their franchise can offer that proverbial bag. Minnesota possesses two first-rounders in 2024, and they could obviously add more future assets. It is costly to trade up for a passer, but nobody will ever question that deal again if that guy becomes a franchise quarterback.
Mayo didn’t stop there: “I understand the frustration and expectations built over the last 20 years. … But we’re trying to build this the right way for the long term.”
Building the roster “the right way” sounds like the Patriots want to fill the other holes first before introducing a rookie QB. That can be done best by doubling the selections in the first round. Passers need a good environment to flourish, especially early in their career. Many talented prospects flame out quickly because they don’t have the right coaching, offensive line, or receivers, and New England’s roster leaves much to be desired.
Minnesota is in a different stage. The receiving crew is one of the best in the business, and the coaching staff includes multiple former NFL quarterbacks who could help the rookie grow. The offensive line was vastly improved in 2023.
Mayo’s comments are much more than the average nothingness coaches and GMs usually provide at press conferences. He seemed willing to share those thoughts.
If the Vikings acquired New England’s third pick, they would have the choice between two of Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy. LSU passer Daniels is favored to go second overall, but crazier things have happened.
When the draft kicks off on April 25, it could be a franchise-changing one for the Minnesota Vikings.
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
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