3 Reasons Why the Vikings Shouldn’t Trade Up for a QB
Josh Frey
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In less than two weeks, the 2024 NFL Draft will begin.
For Minnesota Vikings fans, it is an exciting draft which could see the team make drastic changes that change the direction of the franchise for years to come. Currently holding two first-round picks, the Vikings are widely expected to make a trade up the board for a quarterback. Is that the smart move, though? Here are three reasons why the Vikings should avoid trading up for a QB.
The Cost
As of now, the Vikings hold Nos. 11 and 23 in the 2024 NFL Draft, which should limit some of the costs to move up the board. However, it very likely won’t eliminate Minnesota’s need to dip into future draft capital in order to swing such a trade.
For example, the Arizona Cardinals could be a team that makes sense as a trade partner for Minnesota, but the price to obtain their No. 4 overall selection might be on the rise. Outkick’s Armando Salguero suggested the following about a potential trade up with Arizona: “[Cardinals GM Monti] Ossenfort has in conversations made it known it’s in the best interest of the Cardinals to pick up three first-round picks in exchange for the No. 4 overall selection, if he has to drop a significant amount in the first round.”
It could cost even more to get up to No. 3 with the New England Patriots. Minnesota will need to balance their QB need with that cost to get up the board. If the price is too high to justify, they may be better off just standing pat.
Faith in Other Prospects Down the Board
Much of the focus in this draft has gone towards prospects like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy. However, they are far from the only talented QB prospects in this class.
For instance, players like Michael Penix or Bo Nix likely will be available when the Vikings are on the clock at No. 11 and could still be on the board at No. 23. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stated during his press conference on Thursday that Minnesota is “in love” with multiple different QB prospects. If they have faith in one of Nix or Penix in their abilities to run an NFL offense, it may be the smarter choice to simply allow one of them to fall into their laps.
Needs at Other Positions
While quarterback is the prominent need for the Vikings right now, it is far from their only need. Minnesota could certainly use more defensive tackle help. They still don’t have a starting left guard in place, either. What is their plan for WR3 now that K.J. Osborn is gone?
These are all important needs, and at least one of them could be filled if the Vikings opt to stick with their current selections. As Adofo-Mensah stated on Thursday, “I know we talk about quarterback a lot, and it is the most important position in our sport, but it is the most important position in a team sport. It’s not just getting the quarterback right. It’s getting the quarterback and the team around it.”
If Minnesota is going to find success in 2024 and beyond, it isn’t just about nailing their QB. They also have to be able to put that player in the best position to succeed by filling their other needs.
So Far, The Vikings’ Strategy at a Critical Position Hasn’t Worked Particularly Well
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.