Could the Vikings Make Multiple First-Round Trades to Get a QB?
Josh Frey
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Recently, the Minnesota Vikings decided to make a trade with the Houston Texans in order to acquire the 23rd overall pick in the draft.
This move suggested to many that the Vikings are looking to make another move up the draft board in order to select a quarterback after Kirk Cousins decided to leave the team and join the Atlanta Falcons. However, could there be two more Vikings trades before they make that draft selection?
That is precisely the scenario that CBS Sports writer R.J. White laid out in a recent article.
Are Multiple Vikings Trades on the Horizon?
The first of these two trades involved the Vikings trading up to No. 5 with the Los Angeles Chargers. White wrote, “It really feels like the Vikings have signaled they’ll do what it takes to get into position to draft a quarterback. I think it’ll ultimately result in making two moves, a la the Carson Wentz trade of 2016 that saw the Eagles move from No. 15 to No. 8 to No. 2. Vikings receive No. 5 (520.41 points) Chargers receive No. 11 and No. 23 (560.10 points).”
The Chargers would be a logical trade candidate for any team hoping to snatch a quarterback. Seeing as Los Angeles has Justin Herbert in place as their franchise QB, they won’t be looking to select another one this spring.
In fact, their biggest need comes at offensive tackle, which just happens to be one of the deepest positions in this year’s draft class. There also is a possibility that LA could try to land TE Brock Bowers, who most likely would still be available if they move down to No. 11. By acquiring two first-round picks from Minnesota, they’d be able to fill both needs.
The second trade involves Minnesota moving from No. 5 to No. 3 with the New England Patriots. The trade involves the Vikings sending New England that fifth overall pick as well as their 2025 first-round pick to the Patriots in exchange for No. 3.
White wrote, “This is a relatively simple solution for the Vikings to consider in their quest for a quarterback. The Patriots lose out on drafting a QB but may not be in the best position as an organization to take one anyway, and their consolation prize will be a blue-chip receiving talent they also desperately need, as well as what could be a pretty high first-round pick next year with the Vikings likely starting a rookie under center.”
Hypothetically, the Patriots could still opt to select a quarterback in this spot, considering the Arizona Cardinals likely won’t be taking one at No. 4 overall. However, Arizona could try to trade out of that pick as well with another QB needy team like the Denver Broncos or Las Vegas Raiders.
If that happens, it would open the door for New England to select the top receiver in this draft class, Marvin Harrison Jr.
This route could end up saving the Vikings some draft capital in the long run as well. Trading directly up to No. 3 from No. 11 with the Patriots could cost them not only their three first-round picks in 2024 and 2025, but they could also be forced to toss some extra sweeteners in there like an additional second or third round pick, depending on how many teams actually get into the trade sweepstakes this spring.
By doing this instead, the Vikings would be able to give the Patriots a top-five pick that can be utilized to land a surefire contributor rather than send away even more draft capital.
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.