The Minnesota Vikings stand at a pivotal juncture in their franchise trajectory, while head coach Kevin O’Connell finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. O’Connell, alongside GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, opted not to retain quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency to avoid overpaying him. They then decided against pursuing established free agents like Baker Mayfield, instead opting for Sam Darnold, a former high draft pick who served as a backup for the San Francisco 49ers last season.
Their subsequent move involved trading significant draft assets—second-round picks in 2024 and 2025, along with a sixth-round selection this year—to secure an additional first-round pick (No. 23 overall) from the Houston Texans in the 2024 draft. This strategic maneuver was likely made to assemble a competitive package for trading up into the top five to select a potential franchise quarterback.
The specifics of how high the Vikings can climb in the draft, their trade partner, and the quarterback they’ll ultimately choose all remain uncertain. However, two things seem probable: this decision will profoundly shape the future trajectory of the franchise and O’Connell’s tenure as head coach, determining both the identity of the franchise quarterback and O’Connell’s ability to nurture their development.
Judd Zulgad of SKOR North emphasized O’Connell’s pivotal role, labeling him as the “X factor” in this scenario. Zulgad noted the stakes, suggesting that O’Connell’s failure in this endeavor could result in his dismissal. Nonetheless, he expressed confidence in O’Connell’s abilities and willingness to provide ample opportunities for the quarterback they choose to develop, granting the administration the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.
Vikings Could Get as High as No. 3 Pick in NFL Draft via Trade With Patriots
The Chicago Bears are in possession of the first overall pick and seem unlikely to relinquish the opportunity to draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders hold the second pick, with indications that they are open to considering trade offers from interested teams.
Darren Wolfson of KSTP discussed potential draft scenarios with Zulgad, noting that league sources are divided on the Commanders’ intentions at No. 2. However, the New England Patriots, who hold the third pick, emerge as feasible trade partners for the Vikings.
While it’s speculative, Wolfson suggested that the Vikings may not trade up to the second pick but could potentially target the third pick held by the Patriots. Additionally, the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Chargers, with the fourth and fifth picks respectively, present alternative trade options for the Vikings if they cannot secure a deal within the top three.
Vikings Will Try to Get to No. 3 to Guarantee Top-4 Prospect, Give Kevin O’Connell Options at QB
Trading with the Patriots offers two key advantages for the Vikings and for O’Connell, who is under pressure to perform and enhance his reputation as a head coach and quarterback mentor in the coming seasons.
Firstly, it secures Minnesota a prospect within the top four picks. While opinions vary on Caleb Williams’ status compared to other quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy, there’s a consensus that the elite tier of quarterbacks in 2024 includes these four individuals. Thus, trading up ensures the Vikings access to this coveted tier of talent, setting a clear boundary between the first and second tiers of quarterbacks in this year’s draft class.
Secondly, by acquiring the third overall pick, the Vikings gain the flexibility to choose between two of the top four prospects. If they were to pick fourth, O’Connell might face the scenario of being stuck with a quarterback who wasn’t his first, second, or even third choice among the top four prospects. Alternatively, picking fifth would pose the risk of missing out on all four of the top quarterbacks entirely. Therefore, trading for the third pick provides a crucial opportunity for the Vikings to secure one of their preferred quarterbacks from the elite group.
