The Twins’ “Dream Trade” sees them exchange two firsts for a dual-threat quarterback.
This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings hope to enter the franchise quarterback competition, but it will require a huge play.
On Tuesday, February 20, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote a “dream trade scenario” in which the Vikings give up at least their first-round picks in 2024 and 2025 in exchange for the opportunity to move into the top three and choose the current Heisman Trophy winner.
The Vikings organization has “appeared to some” to the idea of matching [Justin] Jefferson with LSU quarterback prospect Jayden Daniels, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. Though Minnesota can’t expect him to fall to pick No. 11, it’s a good plan.
Daniels is the No. 3 quarterback and could easily be a top-five pick if there is a rush to select signal-callers in Round 1. Despite being only the 24th-ranked prospect on the B/R board. The Vikings would be wise to trade up to acquire Daniels, even if it means forfeiting their first-round pick and additional money. As previously indicated, teams don’t rank highly in the 2025 QB class, so April may be Minnesota’s best opportunity until at least 2026 to find a long-term QB solution.
Cousins isn’t getting any younger, and Chicago, Detroit, and Green Bay are all improving, so the Vikings can’t afford to wait.
The upcoming free agency of six-year starter Kirk Cousins complicates matters for Minnesota.
On Super Bowl Sunday, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo reported that the Vikings would prefer to keep Cousins. But on February 19, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the team will not give the quarterback the fully-guaranteed contract he desires.
That’s why Minnesota may be able to use an offseason addition such as San Francisco 49ers’ Sam Darnold.
“The Vikings likely would pursue a more cost-effective veteran and hope that player becomes this year’s Baker Mayfield—current 49ers backup Sam Darnold, among others, would make sense—if the price tag [on Cousins] gets too high,” according to Rapoport, Pelissero, and Garafolo reports. “They could also draft a quarterback.” “To further complicate things, superstar receiver Justin Jefferson is also eligible for a new contract, having failed to reach an agreement prior to the previous campaign. Being a fan of the Cousins, Jefferson will want to know the quarterback strategy before committing to the long term.
The best option for Minnesota to keep Jefferson on the roster and trade up for a quarterback is the New England Patriots.
Although the Pats require a signal-caller of their own, according to Graziano, some in the league think the team is prepared to trade the No. 3 overall pick to another team for a suitable offer. For the Vikings, though, that presents a challenge because Daniels might not be available with the third pick.
The majority of draft experts predict Chicago will choose USC’s Caleb Williams at number one. Next up to draft is the Washington Commanders, who should select a quarterback in the process. Drake Maye of UNC may end up being the target of new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and head coach Dan Quinn. Still,
UNC’s Drake Maye. But in the current era of NFL offense, Daniels’ explosive playmaking and dual-threat ability make him an intriguing prospect.
The Vikings’ intentions to trade up might alter if they decide against offering up several first-round selections in exchange for Maye. But by then, Cousins might have signed with another team or made his own decisions about his future.
In that case, the Vikings would have few options and an uncertain future at the most crucial position in the game, leaving them without Cousins or the franchise quarterback that the team is aiming for in this draft.
