Vikings Rumors

Latest On Giants’ WR Interest; Team Considering Michael Penix Jr. At No. 6?

April 24th, 2024 at 10:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

If the Giants do end up passing on a quarterback to fill their longstanding wide receiver need, Daniel Jones probably should not be too comfortable going into his sixth season with the team. New York has done exhaustive work on this draft’s QB class, and rumors continue on this front with the draft barely a day away.

Drake Maye is believed to be the Giants’ preference among the top-tier options in this draft, with ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano further confirming the North Carolina prospect should be considered higher on the team’s board than J.J. McCarthy. The Michigan product was believed to have momentum with the Giants for a while; that surge appears to have stalled.

The Giants join the Vikings as the teams who have been most aggressive about negotiating with the Patriots for No. 3 overall, per Graziano, who adds an interesting wrinkle. While Maye being there at 3 (as he is expected to in the likely event Washington chooses Jayden Daniels at 2) would drive Giants interest, the team also could be open to drafting Michael Penix Jr. as high as No. 6.

The Giants like Penix, though the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard notes they did not bring him in for a “30” visit. Maye, McCarthy and Daniels did trek to New York for official meetings. This is interesting due to a March report indicating the team did, in fact, schedule a visit with the Washington product.

Penix at 6 would be seen by many as a reach, given the knocks on his health and mechanics, but coaches are believed to be higher on the former Washington and Indiana QB compared to scouts. A report earlier this week also pointed to the southpaw passer going earlier than expected — perhaps even as high as No. 8 to the Falcons. Though it would be shocking to see the Falcons invest what they did in Kirk Cousins and then use a first-round pick on a passer, it is looking possible Penix could wind up in the top half of the first round. Teams eyeing the national championship game starter as a consolation prize — potentially via trade into the latter half of Round 1 — may not ultimately be able to execute such a contingency plan.

While not bringing Penix in for a visit, the Giants appear comfortable with his medicals. Penix suffered four straight season-ending injuries, before putting together back-to-back healthy seasons at Washington. Giants brass had dinner with Penix in Seattle, per Leonard, and QBs coach Shea Tierney worked with him closely at the Senior Bowl while serving as an offensive coordinator in the all-star game. Some teams have a second-round grade on Penix, others likely view him as an acceptable Round 1 option.

It does appear Penix looms as a potential Giants contingency plan, in the event efforts to move into the top four fail. However, the Giants also could have a Maye-or-bust (at QB, at least) approach in place. Most teams believe the Giants would pivot to staying at No. 6 and drafting a wide receiver if Maye proves out of their reach, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adds.

Ranking last in the NFL in yards after catch last season and not seeing anyone accumulate 1,000 receiving yards since Odell Beckham Jr. in 2018 (Eli Manning‘s final starter year), the Giants have certainly done extensive work on this draft’s top WRs. A recent report pointed to the team eyeing Malik Nabers at 6, though The Athletic’s Jeff Howe adds the team has shown “real interest” in Marvin Harrison Jr. Of course, the Cardinals have been closely tied to the Ohio State prospect; Arizona would stand to have first WR dibs if it does not trade down from No. 4. Howe still mocks Maye to the Patriots and McCarthy to the Giants.

Maye going to New England would seemingly test how serious Joe Schoen and Co. are about finding a Jones replacement. Jones going into a sixth season as an unchallenged starter would be one of this era’s stranger examples of QB staying power, but the Giants could also finally equip their embattled QB with a high-level pass catcher for the first time if they stay at 6. A major decision will loom for the team once the Commanders turn in their pick. Both the Patriots and Cardinals are prepared to discuss trades up to going on the clock.

Broncos, Raiders, Vikings Contact Chargers About No. 5; Bolts Eager To Move Down?

April 24th, 2024 at 10:35am CST by Sam Robinson

The Chargers have engaged in discussions about trading down from No. 5 overall, and that may well be the new Bolts regime’s goal. Other teams believe the Chargers are eager to move down in Round 1, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes.

As far as who would trade up, two AFC West clubs are checking in on what would be a high-profile intra-division transaction. The Broncos and Raiders have called to see about moving up to 5, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, who adds the Vikings have also discussed trade terms with the Bolts (subscription required). Both Fowler and Russini point to the Chargers’ O-line interest in this draft, adding to an offseason full of buzz about this direction for Jim Harbaugh‘s team.

While the Bolts are clearly open for business at 5, Russini adds the team is setting a high price. The Vikings, Broncos and Raiders sit at Nos. 11-13; each team could need to part with a future first-rounder to make the climb up (presumably for a quarterback). Minnesota acquired a second first-round pick (No. 23) last month, but some around the league believe the NFC North team is trying to avoid parting with both selections to move up, Fowler adds. It would be rather surprising to see the Vikings secure a trade into the top five without needing to include No. 23, especially with that Texans trade costing the Vikes their 2024 second-rounder.

It would be interesting if the Chargers would be willing to deal with the Broncos or Raiders, given the divisional ties, but a weekend report indicated Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz would be open to doing so. Recent draft moves in the NFC North have revealed more flexibility regarding intra-division deals in the early rounds, but the Bolts handing the Broncos or Raiders a potential long-term quarterback solution would mark interesting territory in draft annals. With two of the QB-needy teams in this draft residing in the AFC West, however, the Chargers may not have a choice.

Of course, the Cardinals figure to determine how popular the Bolts’ No. 5 pick will be. Arizona has engaged in trade discussions as well, hearing from four teams (it does not seem to difficult to guess that quartet, with the Giants also exploring a move up the board for a QB) and receiving at least two offers thus far. The Cards trading out of No. 4 and giving a team QB access would stand to give the Bolts their pick of the best non-passers in this draft.

Despite having moved on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers have been connected to Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt. But they also are being tied to Alabama tackle JC Latham. Bolts-Latham connections, per SI.com’s Albert Breer, would seemingly come into play if the team traded down. Latham operated as the Crimson Tide’s starting right tackle for the past two seasons, and the accomplished blocker could fill that post for the Bolts, who do not need a left tackle due to Rashawn Slater‘s presence.

Both the Titans (No. 7) and Bengals (No. 18) have shown interest in Latham as well, according to Breer and ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano, who indicates teams view the prospect as a player who could play multiple positions along the O-line. Latham sits 18th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board.

Cincinnati likes Latham “a lot” and needs a right tackle, with Trent Brown in place as a potential one-year stopgap. The Titans have a bigger need on the left side, having moved on from Andre Dillard after one season. If Alt is there for Tennessee at 7, however, enough connections to this point suggest that is the All-American LT’s floor. If Alt is gone by 7, the Titans may well consider trading down, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. Latham (or one of this class’ many other quality tackle prospects) would come into play for the LT-needy club in that scenario.

Vikings High On Drake Maye; Latest On Giants’ Interest

April 22nd, 2024 at 6:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

With the Bears all but certain to start the draft with Caleb Williams and the Commanders pointing toward taking Jayden Daniels at No. 2, the Patriots have the inside track to Drake Maye. If the Pats felt comfortable enough with the two-year North Carolina starter, trade buzz would be moot.

Three days away from the draft, however, trade noise persists around New England. De facto GM Eliot Wolf has held trade talks (with Jonathan Kraft a key part of the process), and other teams have been connected to having Maye interest. The Pats also have fans of both Maye and J.J. McCarthy in the building, opening the door to another team snagging the ex-Tar Heel.

The Vikings may well covet Maye more than the Patriots do, with the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin believing Minnesota wants Maye more than New England. New Vikings QBs coach Josh McCown mentored Maye in high school, and the Sam Howell North Carolina successor worked out for the team recently.

That said, the Vikings’ trade-up quest may not be a Maye-or-bust mission. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team is comfortable with multiple QBs, echoing remarks the 49ers made when they traded up for Trey Lance in 2021. The third-year Minnesota GM may have been genuine here, as SI.com’s Albert Breer notes the Vikings do appear more comfortable with a larger swath of this year’s QB prospects compared to other teams. This is due to the pieces the team has in place. While the QB who lands in New England will not have an upper-tier skill-position corps to work with and will be going to a team without a left tackle answer (as of now), the Vikings employ Pro Bowl LT Christian Darrisaw to go with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.

Minnesota has also been connected to a trade-up effort with Arizona at No. 4; among the three teams that have contacted the Cardinals about their pick, it is safe to assume Adofo-Mensah and Monti Ossenfort have spoken regarding a trade. The Vikings have Sam Darnold in place as a bridge, but ownership may well be pushing for a post-Kirk Cousins long-term answer this year. This would make Darnold a candidate to be benched early in the season, given how teams usually proceed with first-round arms.

If the Patriots are truly willing to let go of No. 3, an acquiring team would then have its pick of Maye or McCarthy. And the Vikings will not be the only team high on Maye. While McCarthy-Giants smoke has emerged, they are believed to be higher on Maye. In fact, Breer adds Maye leads the way in Giants connections “by far.” It has been trending this way for a bit now, though a smokescreen-season disclaimer obviously comes with draft rumors.

The Giants insist they have not given up on Daniel Jones — no benefit would come by indicating otherwise at this point — but they have done extensive work on this year’s QB class to the point NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah questions whether this Giants regime does still believe Jones can be a long-term option.

These teams are only part of the equation regarding a trade-up, with the Broncos linked to showing heavy interest in moving up the board to fix their Russell Wilson mistake. Denver’s Zach Wilson acquisition is unlikely to convince teams it is out of the running for a first-round QB. As of Monday, however, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter said (during a Pat McAfee Show segment) the Vikings and Giants have expressed the most interest in moving up for a passer.

Schefter notes the Vikings lead the way in an effort to acquire the Patriots’ No. 3 overall pick, while the Giants check in behind them in terms of interest in that move. Maye would stand to begin the season as a backup in New England, New York or Minnesota. Each has a bridge option in place, with Jones slightly overqualified for that title.

Setting a high asking price, Patriots have been viewed as most likely to stay at 3 and make their QB choice, but Schefter adds they are not as likely to stick in their draft slot compared to the Commanders. Although Maye’s game has generated scrutiny — after his 2023 season did not match his 2022 work — he brings prototypical size and, at 21, supplies upside. His landing spot will be one of this draft’s top storylines.

J.J. McCarthy Latest: Giants, Jones, Vikings, Patriots

April 19th, 2024 at 3:46pm CST by Sam Robinson

Insistent they have not given up on Daniel Jones, the Giants have still put in plenty of work on drafting his potential replacement. Holding the No. 6 overall pick, the Giants may need to move up to land the passer of their choice.

One such passer may be losing steam with regards to being the target of a trade-up maneuver. The Giants do not appear to be in lockstep on being ready to trade up for J.J. McCarthy, Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano tweets. The Giants have met with McCarthy and put him through a separate workout.

They been linked to the Michigan passer for a while, but it is possible — barring, of course, a smokescreen effort is in the works — the extensive homework has led to the team determining the fast-rising QB is not who they would want. On the subject of smokescreens, multiple late-March reports point to the Giants indeed being interested in McCarthy. One suggested many around the NFL believe the ex-Wolverines standout would be Big Blue’s target.

This Giants pre-draft process, from Jones’ murky future to their QB-or-WR decision, has become quite confusing. Vacchiano expects the Giants to stay at No. 6 and draft a wide receiver; they brought in this class’ top three options for visits in March.

Recent ties to Drake Maye have come out of New York, and it is possible the team has the North Carolina prospect — who has resided on or near the top QB tier much longer than McCarthy — graded higher. Adding to this, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah said recently (h/t Big Blue View) if the Vikings are not the McCarthy team near the top of the draft, he does not necessarily know who would be.

The Vikings, of course, would need to trade up from No. 11 to move within striking distance of this draft’s top QBs. They appear ready to do so. Minnesota’s desired QB is not known, though GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team would be OK with multiple options in this draft, calling this a “very deep class.” The Vikings, however, only have a placeholder QB — in Sam Darnold — while the Giants have Jones signed through 2026.

Year 1 of Jones’ second contract went poorly, even before the ACL tear, leading to this exhaustive research effort on locating a potential replacement. The Giants can break free of Jones’ contract with less than $12MM in dead money — in the event of a post-June 1 cut — next year. While Giants GM Joe Schoen called a report of the team having Jones buyer’s remorse “not true,” Jeremiah added during a recent TV appearance he believes the Giants are doing entirely too much work on QBs for the team to be committed to Jones moving forward.

Jeremiah suggested a Patriots-Giants swap, indicating the Patriots — who are believed to be high on McCarthy — could get what they want by moving down. That said, the Pats sliding from 3 to 6 would leave them vulnerable to missing out on the draft’s top four arms. The Cardinals and Chargers have both indicated they are open to trading out of Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, and Los Angeles has already entered talks about moving down. This complicates matters for the QB-needy (or QB-curious, in the Giants’ case) teams outside the top four.

Coming off a national championship, McCarthy has seen his accuracy, leadership and run in Jim Harbaugh‘s pro-style system move him up the board during the pre-draft process. Though, he has also been docked for lower-octane numbers when compared to the other QBs at or near the top of the 2024 crop. It still seems like McCarthy will end up on the Patriots, Giants, Vikings or Broncos, as Jeremiah does not see him sliding past No. 12 (Denver’s slot). But the Giants may not be the favorite to come away from this draft with the 21-year-old prospect.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/18/24

April 18th, 2024 at 7:21pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Houston Texans

Placed on exempt/international list: OT Kilian Zierer

Los Angeles Chargers

Placed on exempt/international list: DL Basil Okoye

Minnesota Vikings

Waived/non-football injury: OT Coy Cronk

San Francisco 49ers

Placed on exempt/international list: OT Isaac Alarcon

Each team is allowed an extra practice squad spot in 2024 if they carry an international player. By placing a player on the exempt/international list, these teams are all but declaring which international player they’re choosing to roster next season.

Draft Rumors: 49ers, Corley, Commanders, Bears, Alt, Giants, Eagles, Seahawks, Steelers, Vikings, Lions

April 18th, 2024 at 1:21pm CST by Sam Robinson

No Brandon Aiyuk trade request has emerged yet, separating this situation from the Deebo Samuel saga from 2022. Samuel receiving an extension later that year complicates matters for Aiyuk, who has needed to wait longer to enter extension territory due to being a former first-round pick. As this remains a storyline to monitor ahead of the draft, the 49ers scheduled a notable visit. Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley stopped through team headquarters, per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, just before the deadline for “30” visits this week.

Playing a role in the Hilltoppers’ Bailey Zappe-led aerial fireworks in 2021, Corley enjoyed a more prominent position in the mid-major team’s passing attack over the past two years — each 11-touchdown campaigns. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein threw out Samuel as a comp for Corley, who is projected to be a second-round pick. Though, he will be unlikely to be available by the time San Francisco’s No. 63 slot arrives. With big-ticket expenses at three other skill-position spots (and Brock Purdy eligible for a re-up in 2025), the 49ers have a major decision to make with Aiyuk soon.

Here is the latest from the draft ranks:

The Giants‘ quarterback-or-wide receiver decision at No. 6 figures to be one of this draft’s most important, but the team did bring in some first-round prospects who do not play those positions. Tackle Joe Alt and edge rusher Dallas Turner visited the team recently, per the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz. Highly unlikely to draft Turner due to the Brian Burns trade and Kayvon Thibodeaux‘s status, the Giants could conceivably consider Alt. The All-American Notre Dame left tackle would need to be moved to the right side, however, and Schwartz reaffirms a recent report that indicates the team has not given up on keeping 2022 No. 7 overall pick Evan Neal at tackle.
Now that Cooper DeJean went through a workout following a broken fibula suffered in November, a few teams brought him in for visits. The Iowa cornerback met with the Bills previously, and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport notes the Seahawks, Steelers and Eagles hosted the talented cover man on “30” visits before Wednesday’s deadline. Our Ely Allen recently examined the first-round-caliber CB’s prospect stock.
Staying at corner, both the Vikings and Lions brought in the well-traveled Terrion Arnold for pre-draft visits, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. The Alabama corner, who slots as the top player at the position (No. 9 overall) on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board, also met with the Cardinals, Titans, Falcons and Jaguars during the draft run-up. The Lions, whose CB situation changed after the Cameron Sutton arrest/release, also brought in Arnold teammate Kool-Aid McKinstry recently.
Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson, he of a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at the Combine, made two more visits before visit season ended. The Bears and Commanders brought in the intriguing DE prospect, Rapoport adds. In need of D-end help after trading Montez Sweat to the Bears, the Commanders hold the No. 40 pick as a result of that trade. Washington carries Nos. 36 and 40, while Chicago does not have a second-round pick this year. Linked to a potential WR-or-Brock Bowers call at No. 9, the Bears may not be in the value range for Robinson, whom Jeremiah slots as this draft’s No. 21 overall talent.
The Seahawks met with Bo Nix and have a clear connection to Michael Penix Jr., with new OC Ryan Grubb having coached the latter at Washington. With Geno Smith on a flexible contract that runs through 2025, Seattle brought in South Carolina QB Spencer Rattler for a pre-deadline visit, per Schultz. Slotted as the No. 7 QB on Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN.com big board, Rattler met with the Giants this week as well. The former Oklahoma recruit earned Senior Bowl MVP honors in January.

Justin Jefferson Not Present To Start Vikings’ Offseason Program

April 15th, 2024 at 9:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

Offseason programs do not shift to the mandatory attendance portion until near their conclusion, with minicamps residing on teams’ calendars in June. But this week will bring a minor chapter in a few contract sagas. Justin Jefferson‘s status with the Vikings is among them.

Jefferson did not report to the first day of the Vikings’ offseason program Monday. It should be noted Jefferson did not show for Vikings voluntary work last year but reported for minicamp. The sides engaged in extension talks leading up to the season, falling just short, and remain without a resolution. The Vikings have Jefferson tied to a $19.74MM fifth-year option, which is fully guaranteed.

“I’ve had a lot of great dialogue with Justin throughout even the early part of this offseason and leading up,” Kevin O’Connell said, via KTSP in Minnesota. “My hope is we can get him around the team. Obviously such a special player, but it goes beyond that this time of year because of just the energy and flat-out way he goes to work.”

Although Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury that kept him off the field for much of last season, the three-time All-Pro remains on track to secure a market-resetting extension. CeeDee Lamb and Amon-Ra St. Brown also being on the extension radar provides a bit of a complication, as Jefferson has accomplished more than his NFC peers. It is understandable the 2020 first-round pick will want to be the NFL’s highest-paid receiver. Tyreek Hill, thanks to a contract that features a lofty nonguaranteed 2026 season to up the AAV, remains in that spot (at $30MM per year). Jefferson, 24, has confirmed he wants to land his big-money deal with the Vikings.

Not showing up at the Vikes’ Eagan, Minn., facility until minicamp this offseason will be a bit different than his 2023 absence. The Vikings have a new quarterback, after six Kirk Cousins seasons, and Sam Darnold will likely be joined by a first-round pick when the team convenes for post-draft workouts. Jefferson working with the Vikes’ post-Cousins QBs would stand to benefit all parties. But this is part of negotiating playbooks; with no resolution in sight, Jefferson may well opt to stay away for a while. No fines can come his way until minicamp.

The Vikings have a history of authorizing wide receiver extensions and then trading the player, as they did with Randy Moss (extended in 2001, traded in 2005) and Stefon Diggs (extended in 2018, dealt in 2020). They also moved Percy Harvin, who signed his second contract with the Seahawks. Jefferson’s early years place him on a plane with Moss and few others throughout NFL history. The Vikings have, however, paid T.J. Hockenson at a top-market rate. Once Cousins’ dead money ($28.5MM) comes off their books in 2025, the Vikes — with Darnold on a one-year deal and the to-be-determined rookie (in all likelihood) tied to a cost-controlled deal for at least three years — also have a clearer runway for a Jefferson deal.

The prospect of how much more it will take compared to Miami’s Hill contract will be a component in Minnesota’s Jefferson talks. The second year of Jefferson extension eligibility has not reached a key juncture, but that point will arrive before the season starts.

Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Addresses Potential First-Round Trade

April 14th, 2024 at 2:33pm CST by Adam La Rose

In need of a long-term answer at quarterback, the Vikings have consistently been connected to a trade-up from the No. 11 spot to acquire one of the class’ top passers. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah recently confirmed there are multiple signal-callers the team is high on, but Minnesota could of course elect to remain in place if the asking price for a trade becomes too high.

“It’s a very deep class,” Adofo-Mensah said (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert). “But I do think you have to be ready for every scenario. If there’s elite players at premium positions on the board, I don’t think you’re supposed to reach or force or anything like that. It’s just not what I believe, all the while understanding that [quarterback] is the most important position in the sport. So, it’s calculating both those things at the same time.”

When the Vikings pulled off a deal with the Texans to add the 23rd selection in April’s draft, rumors intensified that an aggressive move up the board could be in play. To that point, a recent report stated the team’s ownership is eyeing a high-profile investment under center, something which could require a costly trade-up maneuver (and, of course, a willing trade partner). Moving into the top five of the order would give Minnesota access to at least one member of the top QB tier and thus a successor to Sam Darnold.

The latter signed a one-year, $10MM deal in free agency to serve as a stopgap option following Kirk Cousins‘ departure. As Seifert notes, Adofo-Mensah was willing to hold firm on his valuation of Cousins, deciding against a commitment of guaranteed money beyond the first year of another new deal with the 35-year-old. Maintaining a similar approach in negotiations with teams currently holding premium draft picks could drive the Vikings to wait until Day 2 this April (or the 2025 draft) to find a development quarterback.

“You’re in a blind auction in a sense,” Adofo-Mensah added. “And you don’t know when the next person is going to raise their hand and call a name. And so, you’ve really just got to be strategic about how you position yourself… That’s how we’ve got to look at the board in every place. And then we’ll come up with our valuations for every player in that way, and we’ll make our calls and we’ll go from there. And ultimately, if the league is willing to do something that we are not willing to do, we can’t let that necessarily dictate our actions.”

Indeed, teams like the Raiders and Broncos are known to be in the market for a similar trade aimed at landing a top QB prospect. If Vegas and/or Denver is prepared to pay a higher price than Minnesota, the latter team could use its existing resources to fill other roster spots. Still, the Vikings have the draft capital needed to win a potential bidding war, and they will therefore remain a team to watch closely as the draft draws nearer.

Latest On Vikings’ Quarterback Plans

April 11th, 2024 at 5:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

Making their intentions fairly clear via the March trade with the Texans, the Vikings are in position to present an intriguing offer to a team willing to trade out of this draft’s prime QB real estate. A path that would make Sam Darnold a bridge (at best) is firmly in play for Minnesota.

Third-year GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said this draft features multiple quarterbacks the Vikings “love,” creating a similar scenario to the 49ers of 2021. The team was high on multiple QBs when it acquired the No. 3 overall pick from the Dolphins, and the team had not decided which QB it would select when it made that move. The Vikings have not traded up yet, but it would not shock to hear offers emerging soon.

“There’s multiple guys that we’re in love with just on an outright basis, but there’s also other guys that we’re in love with given what — if we get them at a certain value — what they’d also be able to come with,” Adofo-Mensah said (via NFL.com) of this year’s QB class. “As I talked about earlier skillset-wise, if you’re talking about the ability to overcome context, well, if the guy has less ability but we have assets to go get somebody that’s not going to put him that situation, those things add up too.”

As ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert notes, the Vikings would prefer to trade up and land their long-term QB in this draft. But it takes two to tango here. A trade with the Patriots, Cardinals or Chargers would likely be necessary for the Vikings to acquire their preferred passer. All three have been linked to trading down, with Arizona perhaps the most willing trade partner. The expectation around the league points to the Vikes trading up for a passer, though the Commanders and Pats’ calls at Nos. 2 and 3 will influence — unless Minnesota strikes a deal with one of those teams — which arm the NFC North team will acquire.

It would appear Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels or J.J. McCarthy would be in play for the Vikings; one of them definitely will be on the board at No. 4, when the Cardinals (as of now) are slated to go on the clock. The Vikings are believed to be high on Daniels, who is set for a Minnesota meeting soon, and new QBs coach Josh McCown mentored Maye in high school. McCarthy is also coming up in Vikings rumors, offering more intrigue to this post-Kirk Cousins search.

Moving from 11 to 4 would be costly. It cost the 49ers two future first-rounders and a third to climb from 12 to 3 in 2021, but the Vikings are in better position thanks to acquiring the No. 23 overall pick from the Texans. That choice would certainly be attractive in a trade, and if the Vikings are required to send off a 2025 first-rounder, they would likely only go one draft — as opposed to two, as the 49ers did — without a first.

The Vikings have never drafted a quarterback in the top 10, though Daunte Culpepper (1999) and Christian Ponder (2011) were just outside that neighborhood. Ownership also may be making it known that, after the Cousins partnership moved to a year-to-year stage as the QB’s Twin Cities tenure wore on, a long-term option is needed now. The Vikings scheduled workouts with five of the draft’s top six passers (Maye, Daniels, McCarthy, Michael Penix, Bo Nix), ESPN.com’s Matt Miller adds, preferring to gauge them in that setting compared to at a controlled pro day. Kevin O’Connell was not at this year’s QB pro days, raising the stakes for these Minneapolis-area workouts.

Cousins joined Sam Bradford, Case Keenum and Brett Favre as veteran fixes for the Vikings, who had seen their QB plan veer off course when Culpepper suffered ACL and MCL tears in 2005. The homegrown options Minnesota used in the years since did not last long, with Teddy Bridgewater‘s severe knee injury dealing the team another bad break. After Cousins left for Atlanta, his former team appears committed to finding a successor via a move up from No. 11.

“Just because something is risky doesn’t mean you have to stay away from it,” Adofo-Mensah said of a trade-up for a QB. “It’s something that is hard to grasp, but if you grasp it, you know what the rewards are, right? And that’s something you have to weigh and measure. … You can look at countless examples of other teams who’ve made decisions, but maybe the decision you thought was going to be the decision, it was a different decision that ended up being right and the outcomes were good.

“… I think our odds will be better than the margins. How good are those odds? I think it’s still a pretty risky thing, but just because something’s risky doesn’t mean you’re scared from it, you’re scared of it — you just have to believe. It’s uncertain, right? It’s uncertain and we have to take our swing, but that doesn’t give us any pause, I would say.”

Vikings Schedule Meeting With QB Jayden Daniels

April 11th, 2024 at 9:40am CST by Adam La Rose

As one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s class, Jayden Daniels remains busy with respect to in-person meetings with potential NFL destinations. That process will see him take part in a private visit with the Vikings.

Minnesota has lined up a second summit with the reigning Heisman winner, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Daniels had already booked a ‘top 30’ visit with the Vikings, and it comes as no surprise the team is taking an extended look in this case. Minnesota has frequently been linked to a trade moving the team up the order from 11th overall into the top five.

In the event that were to take place, Daniels may very well be the target. Plenty of intrigue exists at the top of the board with the draft drawing nearer, as only Caleb Williams-Bears connections with the No. 1 pick are believed to be certain. After Williams (presumably) hears his name called first on Day 1, Daniels (who is also set to visit Washington) is one of the top candidates to be selected second overall by the Commanders. Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy join him in that regard.

Daniels threw at LSU’s Pro Day, after he declined to take part in testing or measurements at the NFL Combine. As a result, it would come as little surprise if the Vikings preferred to have him take part in a workout when making his return to Minnesota. The team has not sent large contingents to many Pro Days this offseason, instead opting for private visits. Daniels’ frame has been the only main criticism he has faced so far, as detailed by Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network. Compliments based on his processing and ability to make throws while on the move has helped his stock’s notable rise during the build-up to the draft.

After watching Kirk Cousins depart in free agency, Minnesota signed Sam Darnold on a one-year deal. The Vikings have nevertheless been named as a team to watch regarding a long-term investment under center, and the acquisition of a second Day 1 pick (No. 23, from the Texans) has given them the capital to move up the board. Daniels is firmly on Minnesota’s radar as general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Co. contemplate an aggressive QB addition later this month.

Load More Posts