The Minnesota Vikings have moved to secure themselves another first-round pick in next month’s NFL Draft in what could be part of a bigger plan to secure their long-term replacement for Kirk Cousins.
The Vikings were forced to watch as quarterback Kirk Cousins sign for the Atlanta Falcons when free agency began this week, ending the four-time Pro Bowler’s six-year stint with the franchise.
Minnesota had publically expressed their desire to re-sign Cousins this year, but will now have to restock their quarterback room for the 2024 season.
That started with the signing of Sam Darnold, with the former New York Jets first-round pick joining from the San Francisco 49ers. He has signed a one-year deal with the franchise, so is unlikely to be a long-term starter at the Vikings.
The NFL Network report that the team have now acquired the Houston Texans’ 2024 first-round pick (number 24 overall) and seventh-rounder (number 232) in exchange for their 2024 second- (number 42) and sixth-round (number 188) selection, plus a 2025 second-rounder and it looks like a plan is coming together.
The Vikings now have the number 11 and 23 overall picks in the first round of this year’s draft which takes place on April 25, meaning they are putting together the ammunition to potentially move up and grab one of this year’s most highly-rated quarterbacks.
The general consensus is that there are three leading QBs going into the draft. Caleb Williams is expected to go first to the Chicago Bears, leaving Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye as the potential second and third-overall selections.
The Washington Commanders pick second, followed by the New England Patriots - both teams that are in the market for a new signal-caller. This means any offer to move up into the top three will come with a heavy price.
The likes of J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr and Bo Nix are considered to be the next-best QB options in this year’s draft.
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