The New England Patriots surely are happy with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but other teams might want it more.
The Minnesota Vikings might be one such franchise. In fact, a recent report indicates the Vikings already have approached the Patriots about a possible trade for the third overall pick.
Vikings Reportedly Want To Trade Up in the NFL Draft
Minnesota faces an uncertain future at quarterback with 35-year-old Kirk Cousins coming off an Achilles tear and set to hit free agency. The Vikings own the 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft — likely too far down the board to land one of this year’s top QB prospects.
But a move up to No. 3 could be in play if the Patriots are willing to deal, according to a pair of pre-Super Bowl reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard.
KSTP-TV’s Darren Wolfson took the speculation a step further last week, reporting the Vikings recently spoke with the Patriots while in Mobile, Ala., for the 2024 Senior Bowl.
“Here’s what I was told: Down in Mobile, there was a seed planted with New England by the Vikings,” Wolfson said on the “Mackey and Judd” podcast.
“Now, I’m not suggesting talks have advanced — it was one of those, ‘Hey, we’ll circle back to you (at the NFL Combine) — but that some sort of seed was planted in terms of, ‘Hey, is there even any interest on your front to move off that No. 3 pick?’ ”
Wolfson added, “I’m not suggesting it’s going to get done. … I’m just saying, I was led to believe that at least some sort of seed was planted in Mobile.”
It’s important to note that Wolfson wasn’t reporting that New England and Minnesota are close to reaching a deal.
Furthermore, it’s not Earth-shattering news that team executives talked about potential trades while at an NFL tentpole event. It happens all the time.
Nevertheless, Wolfson’s intel is another indication that the Patriots are one of the top teams to watch ahead of the NFL Draft.
No. 3 Pick Might Spark Pre-Draft Bidding War
New England could field a slew of tempting offers for the third overall pick.
Last week, NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah — who believes the first three picks will be used on QBs — laid out what the New York Giants (No. 6) and Las Vegas Raiders (No. 13) would need to offer for the No. 3 pick.
On the Giants: “For the Giants to get up to the third pick, you’re talking about the sixth overall pick this year. You’re also talking about your second-round pick at No. 39 this year, then your second second-round pick this year at 47, and next year’s two [2025 second-rounder].”
On the Raiders: “Here’s your cost for the Raiders to go up to No. 3. It would be the 13th overall pick. It would be your first-round pick and third-round pick in ’25, and your first-round pick in ’26.”
In theory, Minnesota wouldn’t need to offer as much as Las Vegas due to being two spots higher on the draft board. Still, the Vikings would need to pay a premium.
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Whether the Patriots ultimately commit to dealing the third pick remains to be seen. But if de facto general manager Eliot Wolf decides to shop the pick, he reportedly will have an eager suitor in the Vikings.
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