Now with a 4-4 record and hope renewed for the future, each contest still left takes on a different level of importance. Five weeks from now the Washington Commanders come to U.S. Bank Stadium. Jayden Daniels was lost for the season on Sunday night, and that has massive implications for the Vikings matchup.

Marcus Mariota is next man up against Minnesota Vikings

This isn’t the first time Jayden Daniels has missed time for the Washington Commanders this season. Former Oregon Ducks Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota has started three games. He’s now in line to fill in for Dan Quinn’s team the rest of the way.

At this point Mariota is a bonafide journeyman in his 11th NFL season. He’s 1-2 as a starter for Washington, including a loss against his former Atlanta Falcons employer.

In five games for the Commanders, Mariota has completed 63.6% of his passes. He has an even 4/4 TD/INT ratio and taken seven sacks. Mariota still uses his feet plenty and has turned 18 scampers into 122 yards and a touchdown. At his best, he’s an aging dual-threat quarterback that provides a lesser version of Daniels to compete against.

LEADER: When Marcus Mariota approached rookie QB Jayden Daniels before his game-winning touchdown and gave him this advice.

“Stand up, catch your air, get your wind and go out there and execute. Use your God-given abilities & let's go win this game”

🙌pic.twitter.com/DOrx2LkIzE

— MLFootball (@MLFootball) October 12, 2025

Minnesota was always going to have an advantage against the Commanders playing at home, but that should only grow with Mariota under center. They must first focus on the Ravens, Bears, and Packers, but another win has presented itself in a greater capacity at this point.

Kirk Cousins enters the discussion

There’s certainly a world where the Commanders don’t feel like Marcus Mariota is the right veteran quarterback to take over for Jayden Daniels. This is a team that had playoff intentions this season, and they may be willing to make a move ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

You like that?

With Jayden Daniels expected out for the season, a name that immediately comes to mind: Kirk Cousins.

Played in Washington for three seasons. If the #Commanders don’t have 100% faith in Marcus Mariota, Cousins may be their guy. pic.twitter.com/YuZVktVpHi

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) November 3, 2025

Kirk Cousins just started for the Atlanta Falcons as Michael Penix missed a contest with a knee injury. It didn’t exactly go well, but the veteran has expressed a desire to be traded and would love an opportunity elsewhere.

Cousins spent the first six years of his professional career in Washington, and it’s a place of familiarity for him. Although the faces have changed since then, Cousins remains largely the same quarterback, albeit with a fatter bank account.

Minnesota continues to be linked to Cousins, but Washington emerging as an option is certainly is intriguing. Regardless, the Vikings won’t see Jayden Daniels and that changes the entire landscape of that contest.

Until then, all we can do is continue providing you with the latest Vikings draft rumors worth following, especially involving quarterbacks. We know Caleb Williams is off the board, and that the Vikings seem comfortable selecting any of the other top-three talents, between Jayden Daniels (LSU), Drake Maye (UNC), and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan).

But come on, even the Vikings’ leadership group, led by Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell, are human, right? Even if we’ll never learn who is atop the Vikings’ draft board, they must have a quarterback they prefer over the other options, and it appears they could have a more viable pather to the elite LSU talent than previously expected.

Jayden Daniels to Washington suddenly shaky

Last week, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio openly pondered whether the Washington Commanders are truly locked into selecting LSU’s Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick. Since then, it’s become a more and more popular question after ambiguous actions have been made by both parties in recent days.

The drama at No. 2 started heating up when Daniels’ agent, Ron Butler, started informing every NFL insider willing to pick up their phone that his client was set to meet with the Vikings, just one day after Washington brought in a quartet of top prospects (Daniels, McCarthy, Maye, Penix) simultaneously, during their top-30 visits this week.

Per @AdamSchefter, Jayden Daniels’ ‘group’ meeting with the #Commanders didn’t seem “particularly pleased with the process” and “thought it would be a visit just for him”.

Wonder what the #Vikings and Daniels talked about yesterday? 🤔👀pic.twitter.com/OUUtOjurKD

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) April 19, 2024

“It didn’t seem to go over too well with his agent who sounded off on social media that he didn’t seem particularly pleased with the process. Daniels thought it would be a visit for just him, but WAS essentially opened up the process.”

Adam Schefter – ESPN

Related: Patriots ‘Open for Business’ at No. 3, but Vikings are Only Team Interested

The narrative being pushed by Daniels’ own camp recently is that he didn’t appreciate being forced to compete with the those other QBs, this late in the draft process. He sees how the Bears have locked in on Caleb Williams and Jayden wants that same type of treatment in DC.

All of this Daniels (agent)-led subterfuge, has led to serious questions being raised around the league over whether or not Daniels still wants to play for the Commanders.

“The situation is prompting speculation in league circles that Daniels might not want to play for the Commanders. If that’s the case, would the Commanders still take him at No. 2?”

PFT’s Mike Florio on Jayden Daniels

See, now that’s fascinating. While Daniels likely wouldn’t want to pass up on the paycheck he’d receive as the No. 2 overall pick, it’s not ridiculous to think he’d simply prefer to play for a different team. And if Daniels slips past No. 2, guess who has (by far) the most capital to move up and get him?

"It has been tracking for Jayden Daniels to go at number two..

It feels like Jayden Daniels has an interest in being other places..

We’ll see what the Washington Commanders do with that information" ~ @AdamSchefter #PMSLive https://t.co/6pVLDVMIHO pic.twitter.com/U7nijL0ZQw

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 19, 2024

Could Jayden Daniels be forcing his way to Minnesota Vikings?

It’s not like all of this DC drama is going on, as the Vikings sit silently on the sideline. When Daniels’ agent got upset with the Commanders, he made sure everyone knew about Jayden’s meeting with the Vikings, not other teams.

If Daniels really doesn’t want to play in Washington anymore, it’s very possible a behind-the-scenes battle is taking place to ‘force’ his way to a more cushy landing spot in Minnesota. Don’t rule it out. The relationship between the Vikings and Daniels has been an interesting one from the start.

And when there’s this much money, fame and pride on the line, nothing can be ruled out. Plus, it wouldn’t be the first time. As we wrote about recently, both Eli Manning (2004) and John Elway (1983) successfully forced their way to other teams and it worked out in both cases.

Related: Vikings Trying to Complete Trade-Up Before Draft Night

And of all the QB hungry teams, Minnesota has the most to offer, by far. Not only do they boast the best receiver in the NFL, in fellow LSU alum Justin Jefferson, but the Vikings’ offensive roster also boasts a top tight end in T.J. Hockenson and one of the most talented sophomore wideouts in the league, Jordan Addison.

The offensive line also has a strong foundation too, with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill at the two tackle spots (both under contract until at least 2025). And all that is before we get into the Kevin O’Connell and Josh McCown factor.

This is true. Stable offensive line with Christian Darrisaw as a long-term answer at left tackle. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson to throw to. Kevin O'Connell calling the shots. An incredible situation. https://t.co/CtJza1n6gT

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 17, 2024

These are two highly respected offensive minds, thanks to their past experience as former NFL quarterbacks. That duo is expected to provide invaluable insight to whichever QB prospect holds the purple and gold jersey next Thursday night.

Related: Confirmed: Justin Jefferson is a No-Show at First Vikings Offseason Workout

We know there are still a few days to go before the first round kicks off, but things are definitely getting more interesting as the Vikings continue their chase for their next face of the franchise to partner with employee No. 18.

For the Minnesota Vikings, that includes a 1v1 dinner with Jayden Daniels tonight in Baton Rouge, according to “one of us” Tom Pelissero (NFL Network. It’s believed to be the first time head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have met with Daniels since the scouting combine in February.

Former LSU QB Jayden Daniels is scheduled to have dinner tonight with #Vikings brass in Baton Rouge, per @Agentbutler1.

Minnesota owns the No. 11 and 23 picks and has been gathering all the info in case there’s an opportunity to move up for one of the top QBs. pic.twitter.com/BHdk4nyOIQ

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 18, 2024

What does this mean? Well, it looks like tonight’s dinner is the meeting/workout that was first reported last week. Darren Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) tweeted back then that Daniels’ meeting would take place today.

What does Minnesota Vikings’ dinner with Jayden Daniels mean?

If this is indeed the first time Minnesota has met with Jayden Daniels in months, it would put his evaluation a great deal behind the prospects that O’Connell and Kwesi were able to get extended workouts with.

JJ McCarthy, Drake Maye, Bo Nix and Michael Penix all spent extensive time with Kevin O’Connell as he got the opportunity to know them better and work each of them out individually. That’s quite the contrast from Jayden’s one-night dinner reservations.

Does that mean the Vikings won’t be interested in Daniels on draft night? No. Jayden has been mostly seen as a lock to the Washington Commanders at No. 2 overall, for months. So, in reality, landing Daniels has always been unlikely. But… there have been some rumors lately that the Commanders may not be sold on Jayden at No. 2.

The Commanders kicked off their mass 30 visit tonight by taking the draft prospects—including Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix and JJ McCarthy—to Topgolf for a casual dinner/mixer. More than 20 potential draftees in town, and they'll all be at the facility tomorrow.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 17, 2024

If Washington passes on Daniels… just about every mock draft that’s been produced, to this point, would be blown to hell. In that scenario, do the Vikings like the LSU QB enough to jump up to No. 3 or No. 4 (without a private workout), in order to draft him ahead of McCarthy or Maye (whichever QB is still available with him), who they did get a private workout with?

Related: Jeremiah: J.J. McCarthy Could Fall if Vikings Let Him

Minnesota’s intrigue with Jayden Daniels would reach the ultimate test if the Commanders pass on him. Then, it would be interesting to find out how much KOC and Kwesi trust the evaluations they’ve built, outside of private workouts.

Would they opt for one of the guys that they spent more time with, and actually got to work out? Or, do they like Daniels so much that they’d risk their future on him, even though they haven’t been able to get to know him the same way the have other top QBs in this draft?

Do they like Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye or JJ McCarthy most? They’ve set up or already completed workouts with all three. But given all three of those quarterbacks are expected to go in the top-5, the overarching concern remains.

Will general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah be able to find a trade partner who’s willing to dance out of the top-10? Because, unless the NFL rewards them with a pick-swap tampering miracle, they currently pick at No. 11. Or, will the Vikings be forced to “settle” for a 2nd tier option, like Michael Penix Jr or Bo Nix?

Minnesota Vikings would be happy landing all three top QB targets

Well, the best local insider in town, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) seems very confident that, barring their visit with Jayden Daniels going completely sideways or their trade-up partners — like the Patriots (No. 3), Cardinals (No. 4) and Chargers (No.5) — all drying up, that the Vikings love all three of the top quarterbacks mentioned above. Not only that, but he also sounds pretty convinced they will end up with one of either Daniels, Maye or McCarthy, when the dust settles on April 25.

“I’ll die on this hill, that my stance from a few weeks ago isn’t changing, regardless of what comes out the next couple weeks. Now, maybe subject to change a little bit, if I get some intel that, somehow next Thursday’s meeting with Jayden Daniels goes sideways. I don’t anticipate that happening. My understanding is the Vikings would be plenty happy with any of Jayden Daniels, Drake May, JJ McCarthy. I really think it’ll be one of those three.

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Wolfson confident Vikings will land one of Daniels, Maye or McCarthy

Doogie then dove into all the hypotheticals. He offered some context and gave himself some outs of his prediction. What happens if the Patriots stay put at No. 3? Do they take a QB or do they shake up the draft by picking a non-QB in the top-3? Do they tag the Vikings, Raiders (or even Giants) for a trade back, at that spot?

Related: Florio Wonders if Vikings are Waiting for Pick-Swap Tampering Reward from Falcons

But Doogie comes back to the same spot and comes off about as sure as any deeply connected insider could be, two weeks out from the draft. Not only do the Minnesota Vikings like all three of JJ McCarthy, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye, Darren is very much convinced that the Vikings will end up drafting one of those three guys too.

“What is New England going to do at three I know Adam Schefter, earlier this week, suggested that the steam right now is New England isn’t moving off pick three. All right, so who do they they prefer if Daniels goes two? Do they go Maye or McCarthy, are they going quarterback for sure at pick three?

So I understand it, that the Vikings may not even have a shot at landing one of those three [quarterbacks], but I really believe they are going to end up with one of those three. That, whether it’s Arizona at No. 4 or the Chargers at No. 5, whichever of the three end up falling. That the Vikings will get their hands on one of those guys, that the Vikings are plenty happy with any of those three.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Wolfson can’t answer the question that would be the inside scoop of all inside scoops, which is who the Minnesota Vikings would prefer out of the three quarterback prospects they’ve been incessantly linked to all offseason.

Related: NFL Draft Insider Convinced Giants are Biggest Threat to Foil Vikings’ Trade Up Plans

Still, for how even-keeled Doogie normally is, I was very surprised to hear him announce with such conviction that Kwesi will find a way to get one of the three top QBs. Yes, he leaves himself one rip cord to pull, in a situation where they are locked out of the top-5, but he doesn’t appear all that concerned with that happening.

“I don’t have this knowledge, I don’t think anybody in my position has this knowledge, of who the Vikings prefer among Daniels, McCarthy and Maye. I don’t know that, okay, let me make that very clear. I don’t think anybody knows, but I’m sure they prefer one of those three.

I’m just telling you, my sense going back weeks, and I’m not changing this stance, is the Vikings have a healthy opinion of all three of those guys, that there would be happiness landing any of those three.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

But no doubt, they’ve had more extensive interaction with some, more than others. For example, Vikings QB coach Josh McCown attended the pro days of all six top quarterbacks, Caleb Williams (USC), Jayden Daniels (LSU), Drake Maye (UNC), JJ McCarthy (Michigan), Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) and Bo Nix (Oregon).

The rest of the Vikings staff involved in scouting, evaluating and drafting a QB — like general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and (more importantly) head coach Kevin O’Connell — sidestepped all pro days this spring, opting to meet and workout prospects, no matter their position, via top-30 visits or private workouts, where they have more control over what they are being shown by these guys.

Minnesota Vikings take fresh approach to QB evaluations

It’s something that longtime NFL Draft insider, Matt Miller (ESPN), has never seen before, which I find interesting. He makes it clear, though, that their approach makes sense and that he’s a big fan, in theory.

It’s no secret the Vikings need a quarterback and are expected to be aggressive in adding one at the draft, but the front office and O’Connell — a former quarterback himself — did not attend pro day workouts of the top quarterbacks. Instead, the Vikings are trying something different. “We want to see them work out in a more intimate setting,” is how a source with the team put it. “Get them a little uncomfortable running our workout vs. theirs.”

Matt Miller – ESPN

When I went to bed on Wednesday night, the Vikings had held or scheduled one of these unique private quarterback workouts with four of the six top quarterbacks in the draft, Maye, McCarthy, Penix and Nix. They had planned to meet with Jayden Daniels after his pro day. For whatever reason, that meeting never happened.

Related: Vikings, Cardinals Trade for No. 4 Pick is Reportedly Stalled

Vikings get their workout with LSU QB Jayden Daniels

But when I woke up on Thursday and read this piece at ESPN, Matt Miller informed me that the Vikings have either already met with or have a meeting set up with five of six QBs. Caleb Williams, he reports, now stands as the only quarterback prospect they haven’t (and won’t) put a meeting on the books with.

The Vikings have scheduled private workouts with five of the top six QBs (everyone except Caleb Williams) and will use those in-person, one-on-one evaluations with more weight than the traditional pro day circuit. This is the first time I can recall a team intentionally avoiding the pro day noise in lieu of in-person scouting, but I like it. — Miller

Matt Miller – ESPN

If Williams is now the only QB who isn’t meeting with the Vikings, that means they’ve finally gotten a workout on the books with LSU’s Jayden Daniels, who many believe will go No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders, right behind Caleb.

After this article was posted, Jayden’s private workout with Minnesota was confirmed by Ian Rapoport (NFL Network). Darren “Doogie” Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North) advanced the report noting the exact date, next Thursday, April 18, one week from today and one week prior to draft night; along with the rough location: Louisiana.

Next Thursday in Louisiana. #Vikings https://t.co/rAI8Oau8Dv

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) April 11, 2024

Minnesota Vikings coaches, scouts and executives have climbed aboard the Wilf private jet and flown out to these quarterbacks, in order to conduct these pre-draft private workouts. They’re racking up the air miles too, landing in out west in Eugene and Seattle, then east in Ann Arbor and Chapel Hill. Now, they’ll fly it south to SEC country.

And we aren’t talking about a quick meet and greet for brunch. Little details are known about what exactly happens during these unique workouts, but it must be extensive because they’ve all reportedly lasted THREE DAYS. You can find a lot out about someone spending three-straight days with them…

Of course, none of that time and effort guarantees the Vikings will hit on whoever they draft, two weeks from today, or that they’ll even be able to land the QB(s) they are targeting.

Related: JJ McCarthy to Vikings Smoke Caught Fire… so Mel Kiper Poured More Gas on

There’s no doubt, though, that this organization is doing everything within its power to make sure they don’t swing and miss on April 25. And as a longtime fan of too many dysfunctional teams, that does give my heart a weird sense of comfort. It’s a very foreign feeling.

There have been multiple names linked to the Vikings, most notably JJ McCarthy (Michigan), Drake Maye (UNC), Jayden Daniels (LSU) and Michael Penix Jr (Washington). They have already had private workouts with both McCarthy and Penix, and reportedly have one scheduled with Maye as well.

But what about Daniels? Chatter connecting the Vikings to the LSU QB has been quiet, since a meeting between the two sides that was supposed to take place after his pro day was mysteriously canceled. Now, over a week later, Jayden still has yet to meet with anyone in the Vikings organization, since the NFL combine.

Jayden Daniels won’t meet with Minnesota Vikings?

Meanwhile, the entire staff was in Seattle over the weekend meeting with Penix Jr. According to insider Darren Wolfson (SKOR North), the Vikings are trying to get a more in-depth look at Daniels before draft day, but finding a time that works is proving difficult.

“Jaden Daniels, LSU quarterback, we’ve been wondering will he connect with Kevin O’Connell somewhere along the way here pre-draft. I am told the sides are still working through that, so nothing is on the book as of right now.”

“The idea has been for Kevin O’Connell to connect with a lot of these guys so they’re still working through it like the Vikings want to spend time with Jaden specifically Kevin and Jaden’s Camp is trying to work through that he’s got some other visits lined up so it’s navigating a lot with what three weeks to go.”

Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

Related: Texans Initiated Trade that Sent No. 23 Overall Pick to Vikings, Not Vice Versa

While there were reports that Jayden Daniels was very impressed with Vikings head coach Kevin O’ Connell, after their meeting at the NFL Combine, there seems to be some doubt coming from the 23-year-old’s camp on whether or not a workout with the Minnesota Vikings is necessary at all.

“Let me make this clear, Phil. The Vikings want to connect with Jayden Daniels. So, this would be more the Jayden Daniels camp [saying], ‘we think our client is going No. 2 to Washington or his floor is No. 3 to New England, we really don’t think New England is going to move off of No. 3 so why have him do all these meetings? It’s already been a lengthy, grueling pre-draft process, let’s not overload him. Let’s have him focus on Washington; focus on New England. Do we need him to focus on the Vikings?'”

“So that’s where the Vikings are trying to sell the Daniels camp on, ‘yes, we are heavily interested. There is a scenario where we could land him. We want to do as much homework on him as possible’, so that’s where the dialogue continues. But make no mistake about this, the Vikings hope to connect with Jayden Daniels”

Darren Wolfson – SKOR North

What does this mean for the Vikings?

While this report doesn’t indicate a meeting can’t, or won’t happen, it certainly casts doubt on this idea that the Vikings will trade up, possibly as high as No. 2, to draft Jayden Daniels. I mean, if that is a realistic possibility, they’re clearly having issues convincing Jayden and his team that they’re serious enough about it.

Related: Multiple Insiders Release Fresh JJ McCarthy + Vikings Draft Steam

Sure, KOC got to talk with him at the combine, but these private workouts are what the Vikings head coach is using to largely determine which QB he is going to pin his career to. It’s hard to see him doing that with a quarterback who won’t even give him the time of day.

That’s why most expected him to step into his pro day on Wednesday and throw lights out… which he did… at times, but not consistently. Jayden showed off a great arm, that contains plenty of power. Some worried about zip on downfield passes (15-20 yards), but that didn’t seem to be an issue.

Jayden Daniels draws mixed reviews at pro day

Whether it was nerves, miscommunications or something in his delivery/mechanics that he was trying to show off to scouts… there were more than a handful of times where he flat out missed his receiver and another handful of times where his ball was caught but definitely not on target.

Jayden Daniels with some of the worst pro day footage I've ever seen

I am never impressed by pro days, but I sure can be turned-off by them, and this is bad… pic.twitter.com/uxacTgEtJA

— Joe (@JoeA_NFL) March 27, 2024

Here's every Jayden Daniels throw from under center during his Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/QBO6YICJyT

— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) March 27, 2024

Now, I’m not here to write a hit piece on Jayden Daniels because of some missed throws during his pro day. But this is a kid who the Minnesota Vikings could very well be targeting, so it’s worth seeing all sides of the conversation.

Related: Commanders Reportedly Out on Jayden Daniels at No. 2

And let me be frank, there were PLENTY of big time football people who either loved Jayden’s pro day or chalked any issues they saw up to nothing anybody needs to worry about. Not only that, he had plenty of beautiful throws too. So let’s not pretend like this was a total Teddy Bridgewater bomb job.

Jayden Daniels connects with Brian Thomas, Jr. & Malik Nabers on back-to-back deep shots 👀

📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Ti4zZzn9JP

— NFL (@NFL) March 27, 2024

An even better throw by LSU QB Jayden Daniels 👀
pic.twitter.com/QqM79wtizp

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) March 27, 2024

No matter how you feel about his pro day, there’s no doubt Daniels is one of the more seasoned quarterbacks in the draft this year. He played five years of college football, which started at Arizona State, where he threw for over 6,000 yards, 32 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

Jayden transferred to LSU for his final two seasons of eligibility, where he grew by leaps and bounds. In his two seasons at Louisiana State University, Jayden Daniels threw for 6,725 yards, 57 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions.

Related: Don’t Sleep on Minnesota Vikings’ Interest in Jayden Daniels

In his final year, he passed for 3,800 yards and 40 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. Oh, and he won the Heisman Trophy. Jordan Reid was one of the ESPN analysts working Daniels’ pro day for SEC Network. He wasn’t concerned about the poor throws, in real time, and tweeted this after.

1. Dynamic Mobility
2. Deep Touch
3. Improved Pocket Patience

The best traits of Jayden Daniels and where he’s improved the most. Thought he had a great Pro Day today. pic.twitter.com/ewmS3XgkoK

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 27, 2024

Minnesota Vikings set speed-date meeting with Jayden Daniels after Pro Day

According to Ian Rapoport (NFL Network), the Vikings will privately meet with Daniels “immediately” after his pro day. Minnesota is one of six teams set to meet with the projected top-3 pick.

Immediately following his Pro Day, #LSU QB and potential Top 3 pick Jayden Daniels is scheduled to meet with the #Patriots, #Commanders, #Giants, #Vikings, #Broncos and #Raiders, per his agent Ron Butler. Daniels has not previously met with any teams. pic.twitter.com/1wM92chLz8

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2024

There is no word on whether or not Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are on site in Baton Rouge today. If they are, that would be different than what we’ve seen so far. Neither Vikings’ decision maker was at Caleb Williams‘ or JJ McCarthy’s pro days. With McCarthy, they opted for a private workout only.

Jayden has been a strong underdog candidate for the Minnesota Vikings throughout the offseason. There has been a lot more steam surrounding Drake Maye (UNC) and the aforementioned McCarthy, but just as you start to assume Daniels is off their board, a trusted insider reminds us that is not true.

Related: Don’t Sleep on Vikings’ Interest in Jayden Daniels

We believe the Vikings met, or are set to meet with JJ McCarthy, in what is said to be a rather extensive private visit. Whatever is happening after Daniels’ pro day feels like a short speed-dating session, compared to what we’ve heard about the McCarthy workout, which was completely separate from his pro day..

Of course, there could be a lot of reasons for why interactions with JJ and Jayden might be different. But until we know that reasoning, we’re left to speculate. If we get more information on Daniels’ pro day or his meeting with the Vikings, it will be added in here.

Exactly what time commissioner Roger Goodell walks to the podium with a Minnesota Vikings draft card in his hands is still very much TBD. Currently, they hold the No. 11 and No. 23 picks, but there is a lot of steam recently connecting the Vikings to two different picks inside the top-5, No. 3 (Patriots) and No. 5 (Chargers).

The cost difference between those two slots is expected to be a first round pick in 2025. If the Vikings settle at 5, they can probably get there by packaging the No. 11 and No. 23 picks. If they want to get to No. 3, it’s believed they will have to offer their 2025 first on top. That’s why the Washington Commanders’ decision at pick No. 2 is so important.

Commanders aren’t interested in Jayden Daniels…?

For most of the offseason, it’s been widely believed that the new decision makers in DC have had their eyes set on LSU’s Jayden Daniels. That’s left those same draft experts to theorize on whether the Minnesota Vikings prefer Drake Maye (UNC) or JJ McCarthy (Michigan). Most have had McCarthy at a tier below Maye and Daniels, and much more likely to be had at pick No. 5.

Related: NFL Insider Floats a Vikings Double Trade into Top-3 on Draft Night

But all the steam coming out of the NFL League Meetings on Monday in Orlando is pushing a different plan for Washington. It started early this morning when, as part of his prediction that the Vikings trade up to No. 3 on draft night, NFL insider Dan Graziano (ESPN) also put the Commanders on Drake Maye at No. 2, not Jayden Daniels, leaving Minnesota with an LSU franchise QB to pair with their LSU franchise WR.

The Vikings will package three first-rounders (including future years) and move up to No. 3. I could see Washington pulling a bit of a surprise in selecting Maye at No. 2, and the Vikings ending with Daniels to pair with Jefferson — two LSU products — in this offense for years to come.

Dan Graziano – ESPN+

If Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades up to No. 3 and Washington takes Drake Maye at 2, that would leave (assuming the Bears went Caleb Williams at No. 1) that would leave head coach Kevin O’Connell with his choice of quarterbacks between Daniels and JJ McCarthy.

Related: Vikings Legend Harrison Smith Weighs in on NFL Banning Hip Drop Tackles

But not so fast, says (one of us) Tom Pelissero (NFL Network). His sources confirm that the Washington Commanders are not interested in taking Jayden Daniels at No. 2. But instead of Drake Maye being their target, Pelissero puts them on McCarthy.

“The most popular answer for what they [Commanders] do at #2 is JJ McCarthy.”

Is this a smoke screen by Adam Peters & the #Commanders?
pic.twitter.com/NqRat1I3UJ

— brandon (@DrakeMayeMVP) March 25, 2024

When I’ve had conversations here (at the league meetings), with executives from other teams who know Adam Peters well, know the situation well, the most popular answer for what [the Commanders] do at No. 2 is JJ McCarthy.”

Tom Pelissero – The Insiders (NFL Network)

Is Tom talking to the right people or is Dan? That question is yet to be answered and we may not know until draft night what team preferred which QB prospect, but one narrative that is clearly being pushed down in Orlando is that the Washington Commanders plan on passing on Jayden Daniels at No. 3.

If true, Minnesota Vikings could be licking their chops

And remember, there has been an underlying current all offseason that has the Minnesota Vikings preference being the LSU quarterback. We’ve seen that reported by at least two local insiders, both Alec Lewis (The Athletic) and Darren Wolfson (SKOR North).

If true, there’s at least one team that is hoping and praying the latest steam out of Orlando is true.

The rumored interest in both players makes sense. The Vikings have done a ridiculous amount of work on these QBs and Kirk Cousins is gone. They’ve made no secret regarding their plans to draft their new franchise QB come April.

But why the lack of Jayden Daniels steam? Behind the scenes, based on reports from Alec Lewis (The Athletic), the Vikings may even prefer Daniels over both Drake Maye and JJ McCarthy. Yet, there’s no steam on the Vikings + Daniels nationally. But locally, Lewis isn’t the only insider who’s keeping an eye on the Vikings, Jayden Daniels and a possible move into the top-3 next month for Jayden, not Drake.

Don’t sleep on Minnesota Vikings’ interest in Jayden Daniels

On his Thursday scoop session with SKOR North Mackey & Judd Show, local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson talked about how he smells something fishy about the lack of chatter behind the Vikings’ interest in Daniels, which he says is still very real, from what he is hearing.

“Of the three, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy. My sense is the Vikings have pretty strong, good opinions on all three. Now, I’d understand it if Maye is the clear-cut, No. 1 of those three. But I’m telling you, there’s been very, very little Jayden Daniels chatter, and I guess I don’t get it. Like I’m not sitting here dismissing the possibility of Daniels ultimately being the guy here, that’s what I’m saying.”

Darren Wolfson discussing Jayden Daniels to Vikings

Hiding Interest in Jayden Daniels Makes Sense for Minnesota Vikings

From the Minnesota Vikings’ perspective, it makes no sense to publicly inform other teams that they’re enamored with Jayden Daniels, if he is indeed their target. The more that they show interest in trading up for a different QB, the easier it could potentially be to land the LSU/ASU product. That could be what the Vikings are doing their best to avoid here to retain as much draft capital as possible. That would be a chess over checkers move, no doubt.

Related: Which Teams are Most Likely to Steal the Vikings’ Top QB Target in NFL Draft?

Even if there hasn’t been an official visit set up (yet), the Vikings’ reported interest in Daniels comes as no surprise. As mentioned before, the Vikings were one of the first teams to evaluate the dual-threat QB closely in college. His ability to deliver on the run with accuracy, plus his LSU ties, likely made their curiosity grow. But not even the Vikings likely expected the Heisman-winning QB’s stock to rise to these levels where he’s now widely viewed as a top-three pick.

“There’s Vikings interest there. Talk all you want about Maye because of the Josh McCown connection, and we’ve talked about J.J. McCarthy going back to the fall, all the work the Vikings have been doing. And I get it, McCarthy Pro Day tomorrow, the Vikings will have a healthy contingent there, you know, the Albert Breer report initially, and the report is spot on, about the private workout early next week. It’s going to be a very busy Vikings quarterback week next week. So I get it, in the moment, a lot of JJ McCarthy talk. But I’m just saying, don’t sleep on [the Vikings’ interest in] Jayden Daniels.”

Darren Wolfson on SKOR North

Even if the Vikings were sold on Daniels being the guy early on, they were never planning to finish with a top-five pick. But we have seen Kwesi Adofo-Mensah make one bold move by acquiring two first-round picks. Now the question is, can he package 11 + 23 plus more to move up to No. 3 to get what might be the top quarterback on Minnesota’s draft board?

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

As Wolfson keenly points out, there just hasn’t been much chatter linking Daniels to the Vikings—or, at least, not at the same level as the reports we’ve seen for McCarthy and Maye. However, as we’ve seen before, just because a team isn’t officially set to visit with a prospect doesn’t mean they’re not secretly plotting to draft him. At this stage in the offseason, it’s all a game, and the Vikings are just playing along.