Vikings acquire Pick No. 4 along with a 2025 fifth-round pick; Cardinals receive Picks Nos. 11, 23, and a 2025 third-round pick

Wow! That’s a hefty price to pay for the potential fourth-best quarterback in this draft. Two first-round picks and a future third-round choice for a player with potential? To me, that’s too steep.

Vikings Consider Bold Trade by Moving WR Justin Jefferson to Land Elite QB Prospect

If the Vikings are willing to part with pass catcher Justin Jefferson or left tackle Christian Darrisaw, they may be able to secure a top-three pick and make a serious play for one of the elite QB prospects in the 2024 draft: Caleb Williams from USC, Jayden Daniels from LSU, or Drake Maye from UNC.

“The New England Patriots need help at wide receiver and left tackle, and the Vikings have proven players at both positions … However, parting with either player could hinder the new quarterback’s development before he even steps onto the field,” Barnwell noted. “While Picks Nos. 11 and 23 may not be sufficient to secure the third pick, including either Jefferson or Darrisaw would demand a high price. For a trade involving the Patriots, the package would likely need to include both first-round picks and a future first-rounder.”

Barnwell eventually concluded that three first-round picks would be the Vikings’ cost to trade into the top three, although this overlooked his own evaluation of Jefferson’s trade value made in October.

“I don’t believe Jefferson could fetch three first-round picks in a trade, but the Vikings would likely secure two first-rounders and either a mid-round pick or a starting-caliber veteran if they opted to rebuild and part ways with him,” Barnwell mentioned back in October 2023.

ESPN’s Field Yates speculated that the Vikings will eventually settle on McCarthy as their guy, using picks Nos. 11 and 23 to move up to the fifth pick to draft him. However, he believes this trade will cost the Vikings all three picks that Barnwell recommended for a top-three move.

“With quarterbacks being selected rapidly, I foresee the Vikings sending picks Nos. 11 and 23, plus a 2025 first-round pick, to the Chargers for the No. 5 selection,” Fields stated, adding that McCarthy would be the Vikings’ choice in that scenario.

That is an incredibly steep price. Three first-round picks for J.J. McCarthy? No way. If they go down that road, they better be absolutely right about him. It’s still an exorbitant cost; they would need to receive a second or third-round pick this year to justify such a move to the fifth spot.

NFL Draft Rumors: Vikings Schedule J.J. McCarthy’s Private Workout Following Texans Trade

The Minnesota Vikings have organized a private workout with Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy after trading with the Houston Texans, which provided them an additional first-round pick, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.

Breer reports that Minnesota plans to have quarterbacks coaches Josh McCown and Grant Udinski attending McCarthy’s pro day, alongside head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at the private workout.

“[The Vikings] had plans for quarterbacks coaches Josh McCown and Grant Udinski to be in Ann Arbor for Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy’s pro day this Friday,” Breer noted. “Minnesota also scheduled a private workout with McCarthy for the following week, where both [head coach Kevin] O’Connell and [GM Kwesi] Adofo-Mensah are expected to be present.”

In his 2023 season, McCarthy passed for 2,991 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions, guiding Michigan to the championship game.

According to Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department, McCarthy is ranked as the No. 54 player overall and the No. 4 quarterback in this draft class, trailing only Drake Maye, Caleb Williams, and Jayden Daniels, all of whom are projected to be drafted in the top 10.

Vikings Player Advocates for Teammate’s Return Amidst Free Agency Decisions

Minnesota Vikings guard Dalton Risner took a measured approach last offseason, keeping his options open before ultimately signing with the team in September.

Now back in free agency, uncertainty surrounds his future. He recently posted a meaningful message on social media. However, if teammate and left tackle Christian Darrisaw has his way, Risner will be lining up beside him in 2024, just as they did this past season.

Having that continuity would be beneficial for the team.

How Darnold’s Short Stint with the 49ers Influenced Vikings’ Decision to Sign Him

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have been impressed with Sam Darnold’s performance since his 2022 season with the Carolina Panthers. However, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, it was Darnold’s continued development since then that ultimately drew him to Minnesota.

“The year-over-year growth was evident, especially in how he refined his footwork and played faster within the offense, even in limited time with the 49ers (particularly during a blowout loss to the Ravens),” Breer wrote in his latest Monday Morning Quarterback column.

Minnesota also considered Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield as a viable option, Breer added, but they did not believe he would leave Tampa Bay. As a result, the Vikings shifted their focus to securing an “affordable veteran with upside” while also pursuing quarterbacks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

“He’s always shown the potential to win, even in challenging circumstances that many quarterbacks face in this league,” O’Connell stated during a recent interview (h/t Vikings.com). “I believe that’s just part of the life of an NFL quarterback, and then he gets the chance to go to San Francisco with Kyle [Shanahan] and Brian [Griese]. I think they did a fantastic job with him because the tape from one year to the next shows significant improvements.

“You can see he was really working on his fundamentals. My discussions with him about foot placement, reading defenses, and making quick decisions have all been fruitful. These experiences are crucial for his growth, and he’s learned from both his successes and failures.”

“The intensity of failure at the quarterback position is often magnified because it’s so visible. Wins and losses tend to be attributed to that player, regardless of the circumstances around them. I’m optimistic about the combination of all these factors working in our favor here in Minnesota, especially at this stage in Sam’s career; this is a tremendous opportunity for both the Vikings and Sam.”

Excitement Builds Among Vikings Newcomers to Team Up with Harrison Smith

Aaron Jones is enthusiastic about the prospect of sharing a sideline with Harrison Smith, and the feeling is mutual.

The two have faced each other as rivals, competing against each other 11 times since the Packers drafted Jones in 2017.

“I had to block him during my rookie year,” Jones recalled with a laugh. “I remember him putting me on the ground, and I went to Coach [Mike McCarthy], saying, ‘Can we change the protection?’”

Little did Jones know that seven years later, he’d sign with the Vikings in free agency—while Smith would restructure his contract to return for his 13th season with Minnesota.

“I’m thrilled to be here with him. I want to learn from him,” Jones told the media. “I plan to pick his brain about how he has managed to maintain such a long and healthy career.”

“Everyone knows about Harrison Smith,” said former Texans edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. “It’s incredible to have a player like him who understands the game and prioritizes the team’s success. You need that kind of player in the league to weather any storm and to have open conversations about anything.”

“I can’t wait to meet him and be on the field alongside him,” Greenard expressed. “I know he’s a fierce competitor and a warrior.”

“A player who stays with one organization for so long is obviously doing something right,” noted Van Ginkel. “I’m eager to learn from him and incorporate his skills into my game.”

Linebacker Blake Cashman, who was still in high school when Smith was drafted out of Notre Dame, also expressed his admiration.

Cashman shared that he has watched countless plays Smith has made over the years and sees him as an exceptional individual.

“From what I hear, he’s a great person off the field as well,” Cashman added. “Sharing a locker room with him will be a fantastic opportunity to learn from such a talented player who plays the game the right way.”

The 27-year-old recognized that Smith’s willingness to restructure his deal to stay with the Vikings speaks volumes about both his character and the organization.

“We all want to be part of this culture,” Cashman stated. “To succeed in this league, you need a strong sense of camaraderie and accountability, and the Minnesota Vikings embody that.”

Smith wholeheartedly agrees. His passion for the game has kept him on the field, and the people around him have played a significant role in his decision to remain in Minnesota.

“It’s not just about me; it’s about everyone I’ve been fortunate to be around, my teammates, and the support staff. There are too many individuals to name, really.”

“It’s been an incredible journey,” Smith concluded. “And I want to continue it.”

Will they honor him in the Ring of Honor while he’s still playing?

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Discusses Vikings Trade: ‘The Optimal Flexibility for All Scenarios’

As the Minnesota Vikings head into the third offseason under General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, the team has reviewed its strategies and refined its approach as they prepare for this year’s draft.

“You assess your situation, explore all your options, and establish parameters and vision. Then the options essentially dictate the decisions you make,” Adofo-Mensah shared during a recent appearance on KFAN’s 9 to Noon show with “Voice of the Vikings” Paul Allen. “Everything is on the table as we strive to compete for the long haul.”

“Entering year three, we’re progressing much like a young player grows,” Adofo-Mensah noted. “We had a productive offseason and engaged in many reflective discussions: ‘How can we improve? How can we communicate better? How can we elevate as a team?’ We’ve accomplished that and have experienced our best team conversations yet. Everyone is aligned, and while it’s not perfect, we’re committed to continuous improvement.”

What did the Vikings gain from the trade?

The Vikings traded their second-round pick (42nd overall) this year, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2024 sixth-round pick (188th) to the Texans in exchange for the 23rd overall pick and a seventh-round pick (232nd overall) in this year’s draft.

This aggressive move provides the Vikings with two first-round picks (including the 11th overall pick) and significant flexibility.

Adofo-Mensah elaborated on the rationale behind this decision.

“We carefully analyzed every scenario, asking ourselves, ‘What if this happens? How would we approach it? And if this occurs, how would we react?’ Ultimately, we felt this move offered us the best flexibility for whatever might transpire.”

“Ultimately, team building isn’t a one-size-fits-all exercise,” Adofo-Mensah emphasized. “There are various paths to constructing a championship-caliber team with different types of quarterbacks and supporting players. We’re working to ensure we can be one of those teams and ultimately compete for that final game.”

The Vikings have the option to retain both picks or package one or both with additional assets to move up in the draft.

“I would suggest that at this point, there’s a preferred scenario, but the process is ongoing,” Adofo-Mensah indicated. “We haven’t completed all our evaluations and are still exploring all the different options available at each position. So, while there’s a preference currently, these things evolve over time as we receive new information.”

Allen followed up to gather more insights from Adofo-Mensah regarding the Vikings’ decision to sign Darnold to a one-year contract.

“We appreciate the skill set he brings to the table. Remember, he was drafted No. 3 overall for a reason,” Adofo-Mensah stated. “When discussing a quarterback’s career trajectory and peak performance, it’s crucial to consider the number of snaps in practice, the first game, the various defenses faced, and decision-making context. Factors like offensive line play and the receiving corps also play significant roles. We view Sam as someone who can provide us with a functional performance at that position, which will naturally differ from Kirk’s style.”

Allen and Adofo-Mensah also discussed Darnold’s potential to make off-schedule plays and an athleticism that some may underestimate.

“We’ve talked about the distinction between on-schedule and off-schedule plays, and whether he can create opportunities outside of what Kevin has called. We believe he possesses the ability to correct mistakes,” Adofo-Mensah shared. “It’s not just about speed; he has physicality. He’s not easy to bring down and can reset his platform in the pocket even when it’s not perfectly clean. Imagine it’s third-and-3 and they’re playing two-man defense; he can scramble to secure that first down.”

Pelissero Offers Insight into Vikings’ Draft Strategy

“When you make a move over a month before the draft to acquire a second first-round pick, it’s a clear indication that you’re gathering ammunition to move up. The pressing question is how far and whether you want to ascend to select your preferred quarterback,” Pelissero noted.

“Let’s assume the Bears remain at No. 1. No team truly knows what Washington plans to do at No. 2,” Pelissero added. “With a completely new regime and a highly involved owner, there’s considerable uncertainty regarding their direction. Historical patterns may suggest they’ll select a quarterback at No. 2. The Patriots also have a new structure in place under Jerod Mayo, which complicates things.”

“If I had to identify the team viewed as most likely to make a move, it would be the Patriots at No. 3. However, I cannot say with certainty that the Commanders won’t consider moving off No. 2. Their rebuilding phase will influence the types of offers they receive, and I suspect that Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah will engage in discussions with both teams over the next 38 days to explore potential trades.”

When asked which quarterback the Vikings might target, Pelissero stated they are looking for “someone who can absorb a lot of information and process quickly,” coupled with “leadership qualities.”

“It’s reasonable to suggest that if it’s not Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, or Drake Maye, then it’s likely JJ McCarthy,” Pelissero stated.

“I doubt it will be Bo Nix, which would be surprising to me,” he continued. “Michael Penix is also a consideration, but his medical history will be a key factor. Not everyone will be comfortable with his health concerns.”

So Penix and Nix, despite their extensive game experience, lack the quickness and leadership qualities that JJ possesses? That seems hard to believe.

Matthew Coller: A New Dawn for the Vikings

The last hope in the Kirk Cousins era was 2022, when the Vikings started an impressive 8-1. Perhaps the culture established by Kevin O’Connell was the secret ingredient. Following their thrilling victory over the Bills, excitement surged around the Vikings, reminiscent of the buzz surrounding Cousins’ fade pass to Kyle Rudolph that beat the Saints. Many believed they were genuine

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