The Minnesota Vikings face a critical decision regarding their quarterback position — either extend their contract with Kirk Cousins or seek a viable replacement in the upcoming NFL draft. In a recent trade proposal by Gavin Dorsey of the Star Tribune on January 29, the suggestion is for Minnesota to make a strategic move, advancing four spots in the first round from No. 11 to No. 7, with the intention of selecting Jayden Daniels from LSU.
This proposed deal would involve a trade between the Vikings and the Tennessee Titans. In this scenario, Minnesota would acquire the No. 7 pick to draft Daniels, along with the Titans’ 102nd selection in the late 3rd round. Conversely, Tennessee would move back to No. 11 in the first round and receive picks No. 42 and 153 from Minnesota as part of the exchange.
Considering the high demand for quarterbacks, attempting to trade into the top three for prospects like USC’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye could prove challenging. Jayden Daniels, a rapidly emerging prospect, might be within reach for the Vikings without the need to sacrifice too much in a trade, especially if they aim to surpass teams like the Falcons at No. 8.
Notably, Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, possesses a dynamic skill set, showcasing proficiency in both passing and running. His impressive statistics include 50 scores with just five turnovers, and his performance improved steadily throughout the season. The Vikings, who reportedly contemplated trading up for Florida’s Anthony Richardson in the previous year, may now be considering a different SEC quarterback with a similar playing style, potentially aligning with the preferences of coach Kevin O’Connell. This proposal adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing quarterback discussions for the Minnesota Vikings as they navigate the complexities of the upcoming NFL draft.
