NFL Rumors: Minnesota Vikings Plotting Trade Up for Quarterback in NFL Draft

The Minnesota Vikings aren't trying to hide their desperation for a new quarterback. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Vikings are angling to trade up in the 2024 NFL Draft in order to land a new starter.

📭📭 3.20 Mailbag 📭📭

📨 The potential for a @Vikings trade up and ...
📨 Would the @Giants stop it from happening?
📨 @JJettas2 trade makes no sense.
📨 Explaining Alt > Fashanu.
📨 Brandon Aiyuk's near-term future.
📨 @Seahawks roster review.
📨 MORE!https://t.co/eQgG51K0wF
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 20, 2024

According to Breer, the Vikings are looking to climb as high as the fourth overall pick and are likely targeting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Breer also notes that fellow quarterback prospects Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels are all expected to go in the top three picks and that the teams holding those picks aren't listening to trade offers.

The Vikings are in dire need of a quarterback following the sudden departure of Kirk Cousins. McCarthy amassed a 27-1 record as a starter and won a National Title with the Wolverines following the 2023 season, but his relative lack of volume in his team's conservative offensive approach has raised questions about his potential as a franchise quarterback.

Still, the Vikings have the offensive structure for a young quarterback to thrive. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson are both superstars at their positions, and 2023 first-round pick wide receiver Jordan Addison showed incredible promise in his rookie season, nabbing 70 receptions for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Replacing Cousins won't be easy, but it is ultimately overdue. In six seasons with Cousins, the Vikings have one playoff win to their name and have never finished better than eighth in points scored despite rosters loaded with offensive talent. Even if McCarthy doesn't prove an immediate upgrade, the cap savings his rookie contract will provide could be enough to make up the difference. If he eventually grows into a franchise passer, the Vikings could finally become a true contender.