Cardinals GM Makes it Clear to Vikings, Other QB Hungry Teams: ‘We’re Open, Make an Offer’

minnesota vikings arizona cardinals
Credit: Photo Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

It’s widely believed that the Minnesota Vikings are and/or will be trying to find a trade partner to move up into the top-5 picks of the upcoming NFL Draft. And while some teams, like the New England Patriots, are playing hard to get; there are others, like the Arizona Cardinals, who want all the action and they aren’t afraid to show it.

Cardinals General Manager ready for offers to roll in on No. 4 pick

Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort went as far as to joke (maybe?) that he was going to hang a neon ‘Open’ sign up so rival decision makers know who to call if they need to move up for the No. 4 pick, which the Cardinals currently own.

“There will be a big neon sign that says ‘open’ and I don’t like it blinking, it messes with my eyes, but we’re always going to be listening. I think we’ll always have the conversation, we may not get to a point where a deal makes sense, whether it’s at [No.] 4 or anywhere we’re picking, but we’re always going to have the conversation and if it makes sense, if it’s attractive to building our team, then it’s something that we’ll certainly consider no matter where we’re at in the draft.”

Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort (Quote via NFL.com)

This update carries substantial weight for the Vikings, especially considering their quest for a franchise quarterback. It appears much more likely than not, at this point, that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is going to make a move for Minnesota’s next franchise QB. The question is more about which team will be their trade partner.

Trading up to No. 4 will be much easier for Vikings than No. 3 or above

Kevin O’Connell – Photo Courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

If the Pats aren’t willing to deal at No. 3 and the Commanders want to stay at No. 2, It’s clear the Cardinals will want to make a deal, as long as the price is right. Many weren’t sure how willing of a trade partner Arizona would be at No. 4, given they seem like a perfect fit for Marvin Harrison Jr, who most believe is the most talented player in this entire draft. But apparently, that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

The aforementioned Harrison Jr. is currently the frontrunner (-200) to be selected at No. 4. That line could start to shift quickly, however, if their general manager continues to talk like this. Because he doesn’t seem like a GM who is locked in on drafting Harrison Jr.

Related: What Will it Take for Vikings to Pry No. 3 Overall Pick Away from Patriots?

Rumors suggest that Drake Maye is the Vikings’ primary target and there is zero indication he will be available that far down, given the top three teams all need of quarterbacks. There have been a lot of reports linking Minnesota to JJ McCarthy, who the Vikings have a private workout scheduled with next week.

If the Michigan product is their primary target, getting him at No. 4 shouldn’t be a problem, as long as other teams don’t beat their offer to the Cardinals. But if their guy is in the top-3, getting a deal done will be a lot more difficult.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: