Vikings Rumors: More Rodgers Drama, Drafting the Next QB1, & The Tantalizing Trades
K. Joudry
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We’ve officially transitioned into the portion of the year when Vikings rumors are going to be coming fast and furious.
As a result, I’m returning to the “Vikings Rumor Wrangle,” a series I’ve leaned on previously to keep readers informed on what’s being whispered about in Vikings Land. In this iteration, we discuss the never-ending Aaron Rodgers saga, drafting the next QB1, and the trade potential.
The Vikings Rumors – 03.29.2023
Rumor #1 – The Aaron Rodgers Drama Continues to Unfurl
It’s a never-ending stream, a bottomless well, an ocean that stretches as far as the eye can see. Yes, it’s ongoing Aaron Rodgers drama.
Somehow, speculation is still filling headlines when it comes to the QB’s impending(?) trade to the Jets. The latest bit of news, as relayed by The Athletic, is that GM Brian Gutekunst tried to reach out to his franchise QB several times during the offseason but couldn’t get in touch with him: “Our inability to reach him or for him to respond in any way — I think at that point … I had to do my job.”
Let’s not forget that we’ve been subject to several offseasons of Rodgers’ shenanigans. The latest offseason has featured the darkness retreat, no shortage of Pat McAfee talks, and (apparently) a reluctance to respond to the only team he has ever played for.
Yikes.
Meanwhile, Kirk Cousins has been the subject of contract rumors but no huge signs of a deep rift. In fact, the communication between QB and franchise seems to be alive and well. A recent social media post indicated that a request to the team for “a fresh football to throw with” led to a box full arriving the next day.
Last season, Cousins’ Vikings won the NFC North for the first time since 2017. For the past 3 years, Rodgers’ Packers have held the crown. Hopefully, Minnesota can hold onto the top spot for a while yet.
Rumor #2 – The Vikings Will Draft their Next QB1 in April
It’s certainly possible, but even Kwesi Adofo-Mensah can’t answer this question with any certainty. After all, no one is able to predict what will occur in the NFL Draft. Maybe the team heads into the event fully planning on snagging a signal caller but then must navigate an unpleasant reality: all of the options they were interested in got scooped up before they had the chance to make their selection.
Stranger things have happened, folks.
Now, our inability to predict the future hasn’t stopped the mock drafters from sending dance partners in Minnesota’s direction. Hendon Hooker, apparently, is an option, at least if we listen to CBS Sports and the NFL’s website. According to a mock draft from The Athletic, a trade up for Will Levis isn’t an impossibility.
My best guess? The team opts for someone in the middle rounds. Perhaps that’s Hooker if he’s still there. In the end, I’ll be very surprised if a QB prospect isn’t picked before the draft finishes up. Right now, it looks like Kirk Cousins’ days may be numbered.
Rumor #3 – Minnesota is Staring Down Several Trade Options
The current best guess is that this is indeed the case.
Minnesota’s Za’Darius Smith and Dalvin Cook are certainly names to monitor, especially the edge rusher. The veteran EDGE doesn’t appear happy playing for the Vikings, so Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has to at least consider a move. The NFL Draft is a great event when it comes to sparking trades.
We also think of Adofo-Mensah’s trading frenzy during last year’s draft. Are we going to see something similar in the upcoming version?
With needs aplenty and yet just 5 picks, the Vikings could very reasonably be in the market for more draft picks. A team adds onto their total by agreeing to trade down. Of course, there needs to be a threshold (a word Adofo-Mensah likes) for what the team is willing to do when it comes to trading down. Presumably, a trade down into the 2nd would require a sizable return.
At 23rd, there’s a decent chance a highly-ranked, yet sliding player falls to them. Does Minnesota get an offer they can’t refuse?
If so, the starting point – 5 picks – may not be the finishing point. I’d guess that by the time the draft finishes, the Vikings have made 7 or more selections.
