The Minnesota Vikings are showing signs of a team ready to make a significant move by potentially trading a substantial package to secure one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. With an extra first-round pick obtained from a trade with the Houston Texans, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seems prepared to orchestrate another major deal to break into the top five picks. With Kirk Cousins’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons during free agency, the Minnesota Vikings are prioritizing the acquisition of a franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft. According to a report by NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, the Vikings’ leadership is traveling to Baton Rouge to meet and dine with LSU’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, Jayden Daniels. To secure Daniels, the Vikings would need him to fall past the Washington Commanders, who he met with on April 17th, and then assemble an enticing trade package to move up to the No. 3 pick, potentially trading with the New England Patriots.
The Vikings are actively seeking to advance, so it’s not surprising to see the team’s influential figures traveling for a private meeting with one of the top quarterback prospects. An AFC Offensive Coach described Jayden as a skilled dual-threat quarterback, possessing a strong arm, accuracy, and the ability to extend plays with his feet. Comparing him to Deshaun Watson, the coach noted Jayden’s superior physical gifts but hesitated to determine if he’s as instinctive at the professional level. If Minnesota can move up the draft board without sacrificing All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, Daniels’ arm strength could complement Jefferson’s deep-threat abilities.
Last season, Daniels completed a career-high 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards with 40 touchdowns to just four interceptions.
Minnesota’s sights being set on one of the top quarterbacks is certainly noteworthy as the draft approaches. So too, is whether the Vikings will manage to find a team willing to trade back in exchange for a haul of assets rather than taking a quarterback themselves.
