Another Team Might Be Willing to Move Down in the 2024 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
|
About a year ago, the Arizona Cardinals traded away the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Houston Texans.
In the early process of the 2024 NFL Draft, we often have seen mock drafts opt to send a top playmaker to Arizona, such as Marvin Harrison Jr. However, the actual draft may not end up being as clear-cut for the Cardinals. In fact, they seem to be opening up to the idea of another trade down, thus opening the door to becoming a partner with the Minnesota Vikings.
Another Potential Vikings Trade Partner in the 2024 NFL Draft
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort was asked about trading down from fourth overall this week, and he had the following to say:
“I’d say those phone calls are starting to pick up a little bit. I’d say they’ll probably continue into next week when we go down to Florida for the owners meetings. […] I would imagine some of those conversations will continue to pick up, but honestly they probably will not get real serious until we get right up until the week of the draft, similar to last year. They have picked up, but I would expect that to continue here over the next month.”
Fans will remember that Arizona gave up the third overall pick to the Houston Texans in the 2023 draft, and in return, they received Nos. 12, 33, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 third-round pick. As a result, Houston was able to snatch Will Anderson Jr.
If the Cardinals are going to expect a similar package for the fourth overall pick, the Minnesota Vikings might be the best option on the table. Minnesota is in need of a quarterback after Kirk Cousins left the team for Atlanta. Currently, the Vikings employ Sam Darnold, Jaren Hall, and Nick Mullens at the position.
Meanwhile, the Vikings also swung a trade with the Texans this spring to acquire the No. 23 overall pick in this spring’s draft while sending away No. 42 and a 2025 second-round pick. As a result, the Vikings currently hold two first-round picks as well as their own 2025 first-rounder.
The only other two teams with multiple first-round selections this spring are the Chicago Bears and these Arizona Cardinals. If Arizona were to acquire Nos. 11 and 23 from the Vikings, they would jump up to three first-round selections while also holding No. 35 overall and three third-round picks. Essentially, this trade would allow the Cardinals to select a whopping seven players within the first 90 picks.
Considering they have needs at wide receiver and across their defense, these selections could allow them to change the direction of their franchise in 24 hours and give franchise QB Kyler Murray some much needed help.
Ossenfort added, “There will be a big neon sign that says ‘open,’ and I don’t like it blinking. It messes with my eyes, but we’re always going to be listening.”
If nothing else, it appears that Arizona certainly has interest in hearing offers for the No. 4 overall pick. The Vikings seem like one of the best suitors out there if this is indeed the case.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Tankathon.
Vikings Bring in 2 New Defenders
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.