The “What If” on Vikings Trading for Justin Fields Ignites Nationally
Dustin Baker
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What was first an offhanded clip inside a Carolina Panthers draft night video, has turned into a national talking point involving the Minnesota Vikings. On PurplePTSD.com, it was first covered here.
The Vikings pulled the trigger on a trade in the 2021 NFL Draft that snared Christian Darrisaw (LT), Kellen Mond (QB), and Wyatt Davis (OG) — in exchange to the New York Jets for [what turned out to be] Alijah Vera-Tucker (OG) and the 143rd overall pick (which was traded by the New York).
Evidently, though, general manager Rick Spielman — at least as a matter of general inquiry — was interested in trading up the Carolina Panthers spot at #8. The aforementioned video illustrates the Vikings were willing to offer the 14th pick (presumably), 90th pick, and the 143rd pick for the #8 choice on draft night. Carolina wasn’t biting. The faux deal was rapidly vetoed by the Panthers.
Most draft brains believe there was a reasonable chance that the Denver Broncos would select Justin Fields — in the spot right before the Panthers — so the working theory is that Spielman wanted Fields. And, the Panthers traded for the underwhelming-to-date Sam Darnold this offseason, disabling the need for a quarterback by Carolina.
In the end, the Vikings selected a left tackle with Darrisaw. The retroactive tarot cards indicate that Minnesota could have been interested in Rashawn Slater — the second-most desired LT behind Penei Sewell — based on the after-the-fact choice of Darrisaw. But that’s isn’t as juicy as surmising that Minnesota wanted Fields.
Why? Because it instantly embroils Kirk Cousins in controversy — a player that is magnet for such dealings. Even though Cousins owns the sixth-highest passer rating in NFL history, some naysayers inexplicably state that the Vikings quarterback is a lowly commodity.
Therefore, the pot stirs when Fields is hypothesized as the Vikings most prized, backdated asset.
It’s all over the place.
And another.
For posterity.
In all likelihood, the teensy offer for the Panthers pick was to see if Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer would get duped. On all draft capital scorecards, the Vikings offer was low. If the Vikings were serious about nominating Fields as “their man,” the deal probably would have entailed more spice. You know, like a 1st-Rounder in 2022 as the Chicago Bears ultimately dealt.
To be sure, the Vikings sought a Cousins contingency plan, and they found it. His name is Kellen Mond, acquired by Minnesota at a reduced price tag. Mond won’t see meaningful on-the-field time unless something wacky besets Cousins. Nevertheless, that’s the plan — for Mond to mature and develop for a year or two while Cousins’ contract punctuates.
Cousins was signed for a large sum to take the Vikings to the Promised Land. Should he help propel Minnesota toward that goal — great. Mond will merely hold the QB2 title, and Cousins will be celebrated in Minnesota for eons.
But due to the Panthers video, Fields will forever be linked to the Vikings, if only in the shadows of “what if.”