Minnesota Adds 23rd Pick In Trade With Houston
Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings have made their move. Or, fans hope, the move that is a prelude to them making their move.
On Friday, the Vikings announced that they’ve made an aggressive trade that landed them a second first-round pick. Minnesota acquired the No. 23 overall pick and an additional seventh-round selection (232 overall) from the Houston Texans in exchange for their second-round (42 overall) and sixth-round (188 overall) picks. The trade gives the Vikings both the 11th and 23rd selections in the draft.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah hasn’t come out in a press conference and announced his intentions with the move, but it’s clear that he has done everything but create a light display at U.S. Bank Stadium saying “We Will Try Moving Up For A Quarterback.”
Minnesota’s future at the quarterback position is uncertain following Kirk Cousins’ departure from the team earlier this week. The 2024 Draft has Caleb Williams, Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy as quarterbacks who could conceivably go in the top five selections.
At 11, Minnesota could be left out of the running for a top quarterback prospect. Having two first-rounders this year could be the sweetener that leads them to get their Quarterback of the Future. The Chicago Bears are probably not looking to trade the first overall selection (presumably, Caleb Williams) to an NFC North rival. But the following four selections, held by the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Arizona Cardinals, and San Diego Chargers? It’s possible to see those picks being in play.
Worst-case scenario, the Vikings can hold pat at Pick 11, and then scoop up any talented player that might drop to 23rd overall, or perhaps trade back to recoup some draft assets. For now, though, the aim seems to be higher.
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