The Minnesota Vikings swung a draft-pick trade with the Houston Texans on Friday, but do they have their sights set on a bigger deal?
The move leaves the Vikings with two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. And the franchise’s need for a new quarterback, along with rumors surrounding teams in the top 10, has some wondering whether there’s a larger trade on the horizon
Vikings-Texans Trade Details
Here are the terms of the deal, which is official:
Vikings receive: 2024 first-round pick (No. 23), 2024 seventh-round pick (No. 232)
Texans receive: 2024 second-round pick (No. 42), 2024 sixth-round pick (No. 188), 2025 second-round pick
So, the Vikings added a first-round pick by parting with two second-round picks and swapping a late-rounder. It’s a solid deal.
However, the story here is that Minnesota now has two first-round picks in this year’s draft: Nos. 11 and 23.
After news of the trade broke, everyone’s mind went to the same place.
Which Teams Are Selecting Before the Vikings?
Here’s a quick refresh of the top 11 draft order:
- Chicago Bears
- Washington Commanders
- New England Patriots
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New York Giants
- Tennessee Titans
- Atlanta Falcons
- Chicago Bears
- New York Jets
- Minnesota Vikings
Ultimately, this comes down to what the Vikings, Patriots, and other teams near the top of the first round think about this year’s QB prospects outside of Caleb Williams.
Which teams believe Jayden Daniels is worthy of the No. 2 pick? Which still believe he should be a mid-first-rounder?
What about Drake Maye? How many teams still have him pegged as the second-best QB prospect, and how many believe he’s ticketed for a draft-day slide?
And then there’s J.J. McCarthy, whom some believe could sneak into the top three.
The point is all four quarterbacks have seen their draft stocks vary wildly over the last month. As such, it’s hard to speculate about how teams like the Vikings will approach the draft.
The Vikings probably aren’t trading for either of the top two picks, as the Bears and Commanders both need quarterbacks. The Giants also might be ready to draft a new QB with Daniel Jones facing an uncertain future in New York.
So, who’s left?
Which Teams Could Trade Back With the Vikings?
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are committed to Kyler Murray as their franchise quarterback. Many experts believe they’ll stick at No. 4 and select Marvin Harrison Jr., but this draft is loaded with great receiver prospects. A trade could make sense.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers obviously are set at quarterback with Justin Herbert. They probably should stay where they are and select a new receiver — they released Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen this week — or take a tackle. But trading down and adding more picks also would be a good play.
Tennessee Titans
Are the Titans sold on Will Levis? We don’t know how they could be, but there aren’t any indications of Tennessee targeting a quarterback in the draft. This could be a great spot for the Vikings.
Atlanta Falcons
With Kirk Cousins installed as their quarterback, the Falcons could be open for business. But will moving up from No. 11 to No. 8 be enough for Minnesota to get the quarterback it wants?
New York Jets
This wouldn’t make any sense. The Jets are one spot ahead of the Vikings, so Minnesota simply could wait if the QB it wants still is on the board. The only risk is another QB-needy team leapfrogging them by trading with the Jets.
Chicago Bears
You could copy and paste what we wrote about the Jets. Plus, the compensation to move up two spots shouldn’t be much more than what it would take to move up one spot. The Bears should keep this pick and select a receiver or tackle, though.
New England Patriots
You could draw a line from Friday’s trade to a late February rumor about the Patriots and Vikings. While at the 2024 Senior Bowl, Minnesota reportedly approached New England about potentially trading up for the No. 3 pick. KSTP-TV’s Darren Wolfson stressed that a deal wasn’t in the works; rather, he reported there was a “seed planted” by the Vikings.
His report arrived a few weeks after ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard claimed the Vikings could be suitors for a trade involving the No. 3 pick if the Patriots decide to move it.
New England also needs a new franchise quarterback, and multiple reports indicate the new regime plans to use the No. 3 pick on a QB. If that’s true, Minnesota will need to come loaded with an overwhelming offer to persuade New England to trade down.
The Vikings Have Options
Will all of these teams be open to moving down? Probably not, but all it takes is one — and a convincing offer from Minnesota.
Plus, there’s some precedent here.
You might recall the Philadelphia Eagles moving up from No. 13 to No. 8 in the 2016 draft before pulling off another trade to land the No. 2 pick, which it used on Carson Wentz. Similarly, the Buffalo Bills in 2018 moved up from No. 21 to No. 12 before again trading up to No. 7, where it drafted Josh Allen.
However, in both cases, the Eagles and Bills traded established players to execute their initial deals. The Vikings-Texans trade includes only draft picks.
Regardless, all signs point toward Minnesota targeting a quarterback in late April.
What Is Vikings’ Current QB Situation?
The Kirk Cousins era in Minnesota officially is over. Cousins recently signed a four-year, $180 million free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
A day later, the Vikings pivoted by signing veteran journeyman Sam Darnold, who spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers. If the season started today, Darnold probably would be Minnesota’s starting quarterback.
As for backups, the Vikings currently have Nick Mullens and Jaren Hall under contract. But they don’t matter.
KEEP READING: QB Options for the Vikings
Right now, Darnold is the guy in Minnesota. But don’t be surprised if a first-round rookie — one taken higher than No. 11 — is in the Vikings’ quarterback room two months from now.
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!