One position the Vikings are not expected to spend one of their league-low four draft choices on, between April 24-26, is quarterback. Especially given how little draft capital to work with, a developmental QB wouldn’t make sense, with so many resources already dedicated to the growth of 2024 No. 10 overall pick, JJ McCarthy.

Minnesota Vikings still need veteran QB help

Nonetheless, securing a veteran QB to pair with their recovering redshirt rookie continues to climb up the 2025 MN Vikings offseason to-do list, with every day that ticks by. At this point, all worthy veteran free agent options are off the market, unless head coach Kevin O’Connell changes his mind on Aaron Rodgers.

That’s why the Vikings are also heavily shopping the QB trade market, where a couple different types of quarterbacks exist, depending on what KOC & Co are looking for… some more controversial than others.

For weeks, the Vikings have been linked to their former QB1, Kirk Cousins, who wants out of Atlanta after the Falcons stabbed him in the back one year ago by drafting Michael Penix Jr in the same offseason they signed Cousins to be their starter.

According to Adam Schefter this morning at ESPN, Kirk and the Falcons now “recognize their future is not together”. That’s where the Minnesota Vikings, who have previously reported interest in a Kirk Cousins reunion, come into play.

How much are the Vikings willing to pay for a Cousins reunion?

As was the case last offseason, the Vikings’ interest in Cousins is dictated by his price. Per Schefter’s sources, the Steelers have also checked in on Kirk. Both offers seem to be in the range of paying $10 million of Kirk’s remaining $45 million guaranteed.

There is a feeling around the league that a team, whether it is the Vikings or Steelers, might be willing to pay down roughly $10 million. How much any team would be willing to pay also would influence the compensation it gives up. The higher the payment, the lower the draft compensation; the lower the payment, the higher the draft compensation.

Adam Schefter – ESPN

Up until recently, the Falcons have mostly refused Cousins’ trade requests, arguing they’d rather pay Kirk as an overpriced backup, than pay him to leave. But with the draft closing in, that stance has now changed.

Related: MN Vikings Like Their Current Backup QB More Than Most Realize

The Falcons’ self-inflicted quarterback drama continues to be so steamy that it makes anything the Vikings have dealt with recently look like it came from an episode of the “Not So Desperate Housewives”. That would change if they swing a deal for Kirk Cousins.

Who would you rather… Sam Howell or Kirk Cousins?

The other trade candidate QB the Minnesota Vikings have been connected to recently would bring a lot less drama, three year veteran, Sam Howell. According to reports, the Seattle Seahawks are shopping Howell, who has 20 games of starting experience under his still wet-behind-the-ears NFL QB belt.

Per Jeremy Fowler (ESPN), Seattle has already taken multiple calls on the 24-year-old former Tar Heel, and the Minnesota Vikings are believed to be one of the teams they’ve spoken with. Only time will tell what O’Connell decides to do in the QB room, but much of his thought process will be dictated by how good McCarthy looks during offseason workouts in the coming weeks.

We’ve already seen the Vikings make one in-season trade, a deja-vu style move that landed RB Cam Akers back on the team, a deal that was almost identical to the trade they made last year, around the same time, for the same player.

Minnesota Vikings want another week to decide NFL trade deadline fate

Apparently, they’ll be idle this week too. While other NFL teams are moving and grooving, making early trade deadline moves, Kwesi & Co are expected to stand pat. Beat writer Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) writes that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores want another week to evaluate their own team, before the NFL Trade Deadline, on Tuesday (Nov 5).

The NFL’s decision to move its trade deadline back by one week means the Vikings will play once more, at home next Sunday night against the Colts, before deciding how aggressive they want to be in pursuit of upgrades for their 2024 roster.

Ben Goessling – Star Tribune

Obviously, if someone comes to the Vikings with a trade offer so good they can’t pass it up, then they’ll probably make it happen. But what Ben Goessling’s report tells me is that Kevin O’Connell & Co plan to go one more week with the same core group of starters, specifically on the offensive line, following the Darrisaw injury.

Maybe decision makers want to see new offensive line for a week?

The most likely replacement at left tackle, according to beat reporter Matthew Coller (PurpleInsider.com), is left guard, Blake Brandel, who has played quite a bit of tackle during his 3.5 year NFL career. Read the entire article for a deep dive into the domino effect that would take place if Brandel slides over one spot to his left.

Related: Uh Oh… Vikings WR Jordan Addison Appears Unhappy

But in summary, Dalton Risner would slot in at the position he prefers on the offensive line, which is left guard (over right guard). And everything else stays the same. No shuffling, or moving around. Is it the ideal situation? No, but it’s the same front four at LG, C, RG and RT, as what the Minnesota Vikings deployed in 2023.

Can an offensive line of (from left to right), Brandel, Risner, Bradbury, Ingram and O’Neill protect Sam Darnold well enough for him to be effective? Can that offensive line open holes for Aaron Jones and the rest of the running backs who never see the field? Those questions are yet to be answered.

Related: 5 Christian Darrisaw Injury Replacements for the Minnesota Vikings

If Goessling’s report is true, I’d have to imagine the Vikings coaching staff and front office want to see one week of their new o-line, before they decide whether or not it is worth “fixing”. But no matter what they do, it doesn’t sound like Kwesi & Co are in any hurry to make it happen.

Vikings in no hurry, with trade deadline more than one week away

Darrisaw’s injury hurt even more, because the Vikings roster already had too many holes to fill, even before arguably the best player on their roster went down for the season. That’s why, if they do make a big splash, it’ll probably be for a player who helps them beyond 2024.

They’ll have to operate with pragmatism, with so many areas they could address and just three draft picks currently in their 2025 stash. But even if the Vikings were to make a big move before the deadline, history suggests they might do so with an eye beyond this year, anyway.

Ben Goessling – Star Tribune

Now, heading into the final full week before the November 5 NFL trade deadline, the Minnesota Vikings need CB help, iDL help, interior OL help and now exterior OL help. That’s a lot of needs for a team that doesn’t have any draft picks to trade away.

A loss would send Vikings fans into panic mode, and national pundits into “Minnesota pretender” mode, faster than ice is made in mid-January. Meanwhile, hanging over tonight’s game is the NFL Trade Deadline, which is less than two weeks away (November 5)

The Minnesota Vikings are going to be buyers. They have made that very clear to just about any NFL insider that has checked in on their deadline plans. Darren Wolfson (SKOR North) went as far to say he expects a “splash” move, even.

Two Minnesota Vikings trade targets that one team insider is watching

But who exactly do the Vikings have their eyes on? According to Alec Lewis (The Athletic), Kwesi & Co are shopping hard for defensive tackles, cornerbacks and offensive guards. Lewis brought names to the table, too… three for each position listed. I’m not going to dive into all nine of his Vikings trade targets, but it’s a great read, if you want to.

There were a couple of names on Lewis’ that standout to him, over the others’ at their position group. Two players he thinks seem more likely to land in MN than the other seven names listed.

He did not give a leg up to any of the three CBs he names as possible targets (Jonathan Jones, Greg Newsome II or Marshon Lattimore). Cost and role will be the question, at that position. But at both DT and G, Alec has two targets who make sense above the others.

Calais Campbell – Dolphins – 38 y/o

Maybe the most enticing name here is Campbell, the ageless wonder who at 38 has a higher pressure rate than even Dexter Lawrence II. Adding the former All-Pro to a defense already full of them (Harrison Smith and Stephon Gilmore) would generate a different level of fear in offenses. Because he is only under a one-year contract, the Vikings might not have to part with a premium pick, either.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

A deeper look into Calais Campbell tells us why Lewis loves the fit and why he is probably hearing rumblings behind the scenes, that the Minnesota Vikings have interest. He is way older (and way cheaper) than what the other two options are (no, none of them are Dexter Lawrence).

Not only that, but you saw the hint above, at Campbell’s productivity this season. I mean, this dude has an 84.8 PFF grade (194 snaps), which is good for 5th among all NFL defensive linemen. He is also top 10 in PFF pass rush grade (78.4) and run defense grade (75.3).

Calais Campbell. 38 years old and still good pic.twitter.com/TbPVxbiKZU

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) October 24, 2024

Nobody on the Vikings interior grades higher than a 63.9, and Taki Taimani isn’t even a starter. Without a doubt, Calais Campbell would be the perfect addition to the interior d-line. The former Miami Hurricane has 14 tackles, 2 sacks, 11 hurries and 16 total pressures, on the season.

Because he is 38, he won’t cost much, either. The Miami Dolphins are 2-4. They are expected to get Tua Tagovailoa back this week, which could change things dramatically for the Dolphins’ chances at a playoff comeback.

But if that doesn’t materialize, it makes a lot of sense to unload a 38-year-old Calais Campbell, who’s on an expiring contract. And without a doubt, the Vikings might make more sense than any other team in the league.

Brady Christensen – Panthers – 28 y/o

The most intriguing of these options might be Christensen, who is eligible to be a free agent after this season. He is versatile, having played both tackle, guard and center. In previous seasons, he has also proven to be effective both in pass protection and as a run blocker.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

I love this one. The Carolina Panthers are really bad, which is why we’ve already seen rumors linking current Panther (former Viking) WR Adam Thielen, to his hometown team. But Brady Christensen would solve just about every problem the Minnesota Vikings currently have on their offensive line, both now and in the future.

The 2021 3rd round pick currently grades out at 80.5 in run block and 68.1 in pass block, both far superior to Ed Ingram. His overall 79.6 PFF grade is 5th among all centers in the NFL. But Christensen can play more than just center, he can also play guard, which is probably where he makes the most sense in Minnesota.

LT Ikem Ekwonu climbs to the 2nd level, looks for work. LG Brady Christensen v Vea. Nice work by the entire 5 here. 33 Foreman is off to the races.

pic.twitter.com/Xp0phsl8hf

— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) February 24, 2023

The Vikings do not have a weak offensive line. They have one of the best tackle combos in the NFL, with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, and seem to have found their long-term answer at left guard, in Blake Brandel. Garrett Bradbury is.. ok, but certainly not terrible (most of the time).

Related: Minnesota Vikings Downgrade TJ Hockenson and Dalton Risner

The problem has been at right guard. The starter at right guard, for most of the last two seasons, has been 2022 2nd round draft pick out of LSU, Ed Ingram, who at 35.8, might hold the worst pass block grade at PFF for a starting offensive lineman… ever (unconfirmed).

Meanwhile, Dalton Risner was supposed to challenge Ingram in training camp. Unfortunately, he has been out all season with an injury that he claims he is healed from. Thursday, however, he was once again not activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list.

And even if Risner had been able to play, he is just as bad in run block as Ingram is in pass protection. Neither player can do both at even an average level. Enter Brady Christensen, who can pass and run block better than both guys. He’s like a two-player upgrade, in one.

Just four days after falling down for the first time this season, on Thursday Night Football in prime time, the Vikings will have to get up off the mat against Kevin O’Connell’s best friend. All while supposedly having trade conversations with one another surrounding QB, Matt Stafford.

Minnesota Vikings looking for WR help… like Adam Thielen?

While the Stafford reports were refuted on Wednesday, more are sure to prop up. Some will be significant, others not so much. There have been reports that the Vikings are interested in guards, cornerbacks and defensive tackles, on the trade block.

But another position that makes sense is wide receiver. Enter Minnesota State Mankato’s own Adam Thielen, who played nine legendary seasons in purple. Now, the 34-year-old homegrown legend out of Detroit Lakes is stuck in a brutal situation with the Carolina Panthers… and is very much expected to be available at the deadline.

Well, over at The Athletic, Dianna Russini and Jacob Robinson think Thielen coming home at the NFL Trade Deadline makes too much sense to ignore. Sure, the Panthers would be doing the Vikings and Thielen a favor. But how big of a favor would taking a 6th round pick back really be? Here is The Athletic’s Thielen + Minnesota speculation. I’ll talk more about possible trade cost below.

Trade Proposals: Eight more WR moves that should happen

Vikings add Adam Thielen, sending the Panthers a conditional 2026 sixth-round pick. The 34-year-old — who is expected to practice this week — would return to his native Minnesota and to a franchise he didn’t intend to leave. Back in purple and gold, he can man the slot position for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. But this feels like the Panthers doing the Vikings (and my fantasy team) a favor.

Dianna Russini and Jacob Robinson – The Athletic

Why Adam Thielen back to the Vikings makes sense

We know the Minnesota Vikings have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. But behind them, the NFL talent falls off. Jalen Nailor has been better, and more importantly, he as been healthy.

Kevin O’Connell and Sam Darnold, however, could use a good veteran receiver who can play in the slot, and open up more of the short to intermediate game for the offense. That’s where Adam Thielen would fit in perfectly, providing a voice in the offensive huddle that has seen it all and can help mentor Addison, Nailor and Jefferson, who’s still just 25-years-old.

ANDY DALTON TO ADAM THIELEN. UNREAL 🔥

3RD TD THIS HALF

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/mVsSs0qfzZ

— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 22, 2024

In 101 starts at WR for the Vikings, Thielen racked up 6,682 yards and 55 touchdowns, on 12.5 yards per reception. Adam was impressive in his first season as a Panther, too, grabbing 103 receptions (137 targets), for 1014 yards and 4 touchdowns. That success has not transferred to 2024. In just three games, Theilen has 109 yards and one TD.

How much will Thielen cost at trade deadline?

Thielen isn’t on an expiring contract, but it might be better. Adam has one year remaining on his deal, after this season, at just $4 million. So not free, but about as cheap as you can get for a productive veteran wideout.

As far as what it will cost to get Thielen from the Panthers, there are multiple factors in play. First, it’s important to note that the mid-30s wide receiver has missed Carolina’s last four games, nursing a hamstring injury. It was reported this week that he is nearing a return, but let’s be real.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out vs the LA Rams

Combine Adam’s injury recovery with the fact that he is an old receiver playing on a bad team… well, those guys don’t usually hold a lot of value on the trade market, especially at the deadline. In other words, if the Minnesota Vikings want Adam Thielen, they should easily be able to get him.

According to some reports out of non-traditional media outlets across the internet today, Minnesota and Los Angeles are also in serious talks about a possible trade involving Matthew Stafford. This is something that was floated by Mike Florio about two weeks ago, but there may be more validity than you’d normally expect.

Minnesota Vikings trying to trade for Matthew Stafford?

First off, there have been two non-traditional outlets who have now reported the same thing. One of them (Jack Settleman – Snapback Sports) has over 50,000 followers on Twitter, the other (Jake Ellenbogen – Downtown Rams) is over 25,000.

What does that mean? Nothing, really. We’ll find out in due time if these rumors are legitimized by guys like Adam Schefter, Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero or local Vikings insiders.

SOURCES: The Vikings and Rams are in serious trade talks for Matthew Stafford.

Minnesota made a push to trade for Stafford this offseason but are now revisiting with the idea that he can be the piece to help them win a Super Bowl this season. pic.twitter.com/K9fHC0QPg7

— JACK SETTLEMAN (@jacksettleman) October 22, 2024

I can actually say that I've heard the #Rams do have interest in Sam Darnold as an option to succeed Matthew Stafford. That is something I've been told. We'll see what happens. My feeling is the Rams have to look AWFUL on Thursday and then lose to the Seahawks for this to happen https://t.co/fgrlMjDHK2

— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) October 22, 2024

But there was one report earlier on Tuesday that suddenly make these Matthew Stafford rumors, at least eyebrow raising. This morning, Darren “Doogie” Wolfson reported on SKOR North with Mackey & Judd that, at some point before the November 5 trade deadline, he expects the Minnesota Vikings to pull off some sort of blockbuster.

Vikings expected to make big splash at NFL trade deadline

Is that blockbuster a trade for Matthew Stafford…? If you listen to Doogie’s report, he believes the trade will bring in a defensive player. But still, the timing of both reports certainly has my antennas up.

Judd: “November 5th, how big do you think the splash could be?”

Doogie: “I think it could be pretty big. Yeah, I do Judd.”

Mackey & Judd – SKOR North

Related: Los Angeles Rams Injury Tracker – Week 8

It would still be a huge shock if the Minnesota Vikings swing a deal for someone like Matt Stafford. And it would be pretty much impossible for a deal between the Rams and Vikings to happen before Thursday… since they play each other.

But if Kevin O’Connell (AKA: The QB Killer) has made the decision that Sam Darnold is not good enough to bring the Vikings to a Super Bowl, and he thinks that is all they are missing, it wouldn’t be crazy for them to swing for Stafford. His contract isn’t up until 2027, with a possible out after 2026. But if the Vikings throw in Sam Darnold, which you’d think they would, I can’t imagine it would cost more than a day 2 or 3 pick.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Seriously Considering a Move to Dalton Risner

On the season, Matt Stafford has thrown for 1,392 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. His completion percentage is 66.7%. Those numbers are not as impressive as Sam Darnold’s 1,370 yards, 12 touchdowns and 5 interceptions (66.5%).

Vikings are giving up on Sam Darnold is wild…the guy is playing at an MVP level right now…

Vikings literally lost to the best team in the NFC and ready to make changes?

No loyalty lol https://t.co/fXSS2kVlfh

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) October 22, 2024

And yet again, the most important game so far on the Vikings schedule… which is something we’ve said a lot during this gauntlet of a stretch to start their 2024 season. But let’s jump across party lines for a moment, and focus on the Detroit Lions.

Detroit Lions shopping for EDGE rushers after Aidan Hutchinson injury

Last year’s NFC North champs enter Sunday’s matchup vs the Vikings, with a lot on their plate. They just got done absolutely crushing the Dallas Cowboys last week, out of their bye. Unfortunately, they also lost superstar EDGE rusher Aidan Hutchinson for the season, after he suffered an ugly leg injury during the blowout 47-9 win in Big D.

At just 24-years-old, Hutchinson is already one of the best EDGE rushers in the NFL. Matt wrote about how much the Lions rely on the former Michigan game-wrecker, during his statistical preview of Sunday’s game.

It’s possible that no defense in the NFL has relied more on a singular defensive lineman all season, than the Lions have Aidan Hutchinson. Through 4 games (prior to his injury last week), Hutchinson had accounted for pretty much half of all Detroit’s QB pressure stats, according to Pro-Football-Reference.com.

That has led to all sorts of speculation regarding who the Lions might be targeting before the NFL Trade Deadline next month. Among the names that have emerged from league circles is former Minnesota Vikings (and Packer) pass rusher, Za’Darius Smith, who played one full season here back in 2022, after three seasons in Green Bay.

Za’Darius Smith would love to get revenge on Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers

Right now, Smith is six games through his second season with the Cleveland Browns. Let’s just say… things are not going well. The Browns are 1-5 and on the verge of hitting the sell button, in order to position themselves in the best possible spot for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Related: Is Ty Chandler About to Lose His RB2 Spot for the Minnesota Vikings?

If/when that happens, a well-traveled Za’Darius Smith will be one of the first to go. That’s why he and the Lions make so much sense. Would the former Viking/Packer welcome a trade back into the NFC North? Even while playing on another team, Smith couldn’t help but embrace the idea of going back and getting revenge on two of his former squads.

But the idea of joining a Super Bowl contender like the Lions, who lost in the NFC Championship Game last year and are 4-1, intrigued Smith.

“Hate that injury happened to him, a guy that was on his way to get Defensive Player of the Year possibly,” he said of Hutchinson. “That’s a big loss for them.

“But if I was to go to Detroit, I would like it, because I get to play Green Bay twice a year and the Vikings twice a year. So, yeah, that’ll be big.”

BrownsZone.com

Does Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions make sense?

I mean, this trade almost makes too much sense to ignore. So much so that Za’Darius can’t even keep his mouth shut. This interview also shows how bad things are right now, in Cleveland. Guys are openly giving interviews discussing where they might be traded before the deadline…

How much of a boost would Smith give the Detroit Lions, with Hutchinson out? The 31-year-old would likely be better on a good team, as a more featured player in the pass rush scheme, vs playing second-fiddle to Miles Garrett with the Browns.

Related: Final Minnesota Vikings Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out vs Lions?

After collecting 5.5 sacks, 27 tackles and 20 QB hits in 2023, he’s got 3 sacks, 16 tackles, and just 3 QB hits in 2024. If the Lions want to get their hands on a proven veteran pass rusher, who won’t cost them an early round draft pick, Za’Darius Smith makes a lot of sense. But he won’t be Aidan Hutchinson, I can promise you that.

This team may be undefeated, but they are far from flawless. They needs help on the interior of the offensive line, and there are questions surrounding whether or not Ty Chandler is a good enough 2-punch, behind Aaron Jones. They could use more depth on the defensive line and, maybe, another wide receiver?

Minnesota Vikings linked to former 1st round pick

Former Alabama Crimson Tide superstar and 5x Pro Bowl wide receiver, Amari Cooper, currently plays for the Cleveland Browns, who have gotten off to a disastrous 1-4 start. After their most recent loss Sunday, rumors surrounding a possible Cooper trade started flying around hot and heavy.

Amari Cooper ranks 49th among wide receivers with 208 receiving yards in the first 5 weeks but ranks an easy 1st with 653 air yards, 83 more than Rashid Shaheed in 2nd place at the position.

Free Amari.pic.twitter.com/RuUYW3rQms

— Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) October 9, 2024

Then, on Thursday morning, former NFL player turned TV host and NFL insider, Akbar Gbajabiamila (NFL Network) floated Cooper to the Minnesota Vikings. We haven’t heard a lot of trade deadline rumors yet, but with the Vikings being 5-0 and the deadline just three weeks away, this is probably just the start.

It happened while he and the rest of the GMFB crew were talking about possible landing spots for the 30-year-old former 1st round pick. Clearly, he’s getting his info from somewhere. You can hear his coworkers in the background, “what do you got…?”

The #Vikings were listed as a team to be a buyer at this years trade deadline, and a potential landing spot for a former Pro Bowl WR, according to @Akbar_Gbaja:

“How about maybe going out and looking for an Amari Cooper, who is on a struggling #Browns team.”

🎥: @gmfb pic.twitter.com/PgARSgUpT7

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) October 10, 2024

“How about the Minnesota Vikings?… They have TJ Hockenson coming back. You start thinking, ‘what could they do, they could add some depth’. Think about what the Kansas City Chiefs have done. They continuously add depth. Someone gets hurt, they get someone else in there.

How about going out and maybe looking for an Amari Cooper, who’s on a struggling Browns team. [Kwesi Adofo-Mensah] was in Cleveland already, has familiarity with Amari Cooper. Now, all of a sudden, you have depth at the wide receiver position.

You’ve got Justin Jefferson, Addison, Amari Cooper, TJ Hockenson. Now, all of a sudden, you’ve got guys who can, when home field advantage comes around, they’re making it deep, deep, deep and potentially winning a Super Bowl”

Akbar Gbajabiamila – Good Morning Football (NFL Network)

Does Amari Cooper make sense in Minnesota?

So, there are a few angles to take on this. In a lot of ways, Cooper does make a lot of sense for the Vikings. They could use a veteran third wide receiver for Sam Darnold to rely on. Jalen Nailor came out of the preseason on fire, but can’t seem to find Darnold’s eye, once he drops down to WR3.

Without a doubt, Cooper would be a huge upgrade to an already elite group of weapons for Darnold and the Vikings offense. Through the first five weeks of the season, Amari Cooper has caught 20 passes (on 47 targets) for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Related: Former Vikings Top Pick is Changing His Position for New Team

On his career, Cooper is nearing 10,000 total receiving yards (9,694) on his career. He’s also scored 62 total touchdowns. His 8.6 yards per target, during his 10-year NFL career is solid. But in 2024, that number has dropped all the way to 4.4, which tells part of the story on why Cooper wants out of the dogpound.

Amari Cooper was traded for a 5th-round pick.pic.twitter.com/3uaFkTxu6C

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 1, 2022

Amari Cooper lulling the DB to sleep pic.twitter.com/QKGEplYlMg

— Receiver School (@ReceiverSchool) September 22, 2024

The longtime NFL vet still has plenty of tread on the tires, and he’s an unrestricted free agent next season, which is why the Browns are looking to move him. He has baggage, though, in the form of a $22.6 million dead cap hit next season.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Believers are Raking in the Money

Would the Minnesota Vikings want to extend Amari Cooper, if they traded for him prior to the deadline? That would depend on cost. Otherwise, the Browns would have to agree to eat a bunch of that dead cap penalty. Would they do that? Probably depends on how many suitors are competing for Cooper’s services.

Related: Former Vikings GM Says Danielle Hunter Wants $25 Million Per Year in New Deal

It’s been widely reported that the Vikings tried to move up last year to grab either Anthony Richardson or Bryce Young and there would be absolutely nobody shocked if they work even more desperately to make that type of move this year, especially if they let Kirk Cousins go in free agency.

One of the most obvious options at the top of the draft, if the Vikings do indeed target someone in the top-3 picks, is the New England Patriots. They have been one of the many teams linked to Justin Fields, Baker Mayfield and even Kirk Cousins. Unlike Minnesota, New England does not appear all that interested in hitting the restart button again, after the disaster that ended up being Mac Jones + Bill Belichick.

Minnesota Vikings have already talked to Patriots about No. 3 Pick

But on Thursday during his scoop session on the Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North), Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson advanced the possible draft night alliance between the Vikings and Patriots even farther when he reported that Minnesota checked in with New England at the Senior Bowl about whether or not they’d be a willing partner in the early evening on April 25.

“Here’s what I was told. Down in Mobile [at the Senior Bowl] there was a seed planted with New England, by the Vikings. Now, I’m not suggesting talks have advanced. It was one of those, ‘hey we’ll circle back to you presumably next week at the combine in Indianapolis’, but that some sort of seed was planted in terms of, ‘hey is there even any interest on your front, to move off that No. 3 pick?'”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd Show (SKOR North)

Preliminary trade talks get more serious at NFL Draft scouting combine

Doogie goes on to reiterate that whatever “seed was planted in Mobile” was a very preliminary thing. They wanted to know how interested the Pats are in moving off of pick 3, should that become the final decision the Vikings make in the 1st round.

Nonetheless, it’s important to note that every significant member of every front office across the NFL will be in Indianapolis at the NFL scouting combine next week. In fact, many are already there. So for the next 1.5 weeks, that town will be overwhelmed by loose-lipped NFL executives working hard all day and partying even harder (with league insiders and rival executives) all night.

Related: Former Vikings GM Says Danielle Hunter Wants $25 Million Per Year in New Deal

And as that’s happening, it’s also worth noting that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was originally drafted by the Patriots as an understudy for Tom Brady back in 2008 and still has connections deep into that organization, including its owner, Robert Kraft.

Those ties may not matter, in the end, but that extra layer of trust between the two franchises could play a role should talks continue to roll down the hill toward a possible draft night blockbuster.

No matter the Minnesota Vikings plans for the 2024 NFL Draft, whether that’s an organization-changing 1st round trade up to No. 3 overall or if they are looking to do something else, their plans will begin to reveal themselves more, over the next 10-ish days at the scouting combine.

While many anticipate the Vikings will make JJ the highest paid non-QB in football, there are an underwhelming minority of NFL fans and pundits who actually believe GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah might have the audacity to trade their superstar wide receiver, instead of paying him.

Related: Could the Vikings be Shopping Justin Jefferson?

Justin Jefferson To The Arizona Cardinals?

It started last week with former Minnesota Twin turned local insider, Charley Walters (Pioneer Press) who wrote last week that there’s a better chance JJ is dealt than anybody is talking about. Then on Tuesday, Bleacher Report took Walters’ column and ran with it, speculating Jefferson being dealt to the Arizona Cardinals this offseason.

A franchise like the Arizona Cardinals could be highly interested if Jefferson becomes available. Arizona is loaded with draft capital this year, owning 13 selections overall with six of them coming in the top 90 and two in the first round. Converting some of those picks into a player of Jefferson’s caliber would be a shrewd move for a franchise looking to contend again with a healthy Kyler Murray at the helm.

Given Arizona’s leading pass-catcher was tight end Trey McBride (81 receptions, 825 yards and three touchdowns) this past season, it’s obvious the squad needs to bring in an elite receiver to round out the offense. Drafting someone like Marvin Harrison Jr. could be an option at No. 4 overall, but using that pick to land a sure-thing in Jefferson via trade should be even more alluring.

Alex Kay – Bleacher Report

Justin Jefferson Trade Value

Trading your best player, in his prime just doesn’t make a lot of sense, but Bleacher Report believes Walters may be onto something. As for what Minnesota could net in return for JJ, here’s what Kay dreamed up:

• Arizona Cardinals receive: Justin Jefferson
• Minnesota Vikings receive: 2024 first-round pick (No. 4 overall), 2025 first-round pick, 2024 third-round pick (No. 71 overall)

Should The Minnesota Vikings Do This?

I think if you showed this trade to Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, you may not be hung up on, but they’d probably get a pretty quick “no”. But truthfully, I don’t know if there are any trade packages for JJ that the Vikings might actually be intrigued by.

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It is worrisome that we are even talking about trading Jefferson, the guy completely changes the team and if the Vikings want to win, they need to sign him to an extension ASAP, not entertain trades for him.

Unless ownership opts for a full-scale rebuild, which there is no evidence of, JJ will still get his 2024 paychecks from the Minnesota Vikings. They’ll just be worth a lot more. GM Kwesi Adofo Mensah knows that his success will eventually be determined by wins and losses. And guess what, trading JJ will not equate more wins.

Ezra Cleveland questionable (more like doubtful) for Sunday

But last week, in the Vikings’ underdog victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Ezra was on the sidelines with a foot injury. Entering this weekend, he’s listed as questionable vs the Green Bay Packers, as well. That designation seems optimistic, though, if you heard or watched head coach Kevin O’Connell give the update on Cleveland at Friday’s press conference.

LG Ezra Cleveland (foot) is questionable for Sunday, per Kevin O’Connell. He got some reps this week but isn’t 100%. Would need more progress to start, it would seem.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 27, 2023

“Yeah, [Ezra Cleveland]’s gotten some reps in there and we are just trying to gauge, right now, where he is at, from a standpoint of being able to be 100% Sunday at noon. Dalton [Risner] has had a good week as well, in prep. Regardless of kinda how it works out, with the active roster and things, will be just determined on what we think is best, based upon Ezra’s, you know, feelings Sunday morning.”

Kevin O’Connell

Later in his session with media members, O’Connell was asked if there is a chance Ed Ingram could get usurped at right guard, if both Dalton Risner and Ezra Cleveland are ready to go on Sunday. He put that conversation to rest by saying the only guard competition at TCO Performance Center is on left side, between Risner and Cleveland.

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By the sounds of it, however, that competition is unlikely to exist this week, leading up to their matchup on Sunday in Green Bay, given Ezra looks more doubtful than questionable, entering the weekend.

Could Cleveland’s career with Minnesota Vikings be over?

And if we look beyond Sunday, Ezra Cleveland’s status with the Minnesota Vikings looks even more questionable than his designation for this week. Not because of his foot injury, but because of the October 31 trade deadline.

For months (if not years), all signs have pointed to Cleveland eventually leaving Minnesota in free agency, this offseason. And now, with Dalton Risner on the roster and seemingly the same starting-caliber guard as he was for the first four years of his career in Denver, the Vikings are likely shopping their “injured” left guard, as I type this blog.

And there’s no reason they should have issues finding a taker for one of the most promising young linemen in football. In theory, there are 64 starting offensive guards in the NFL and Cleveland’s PFF grades all rank in the top 25% of the league.

Trading Cleveland shouldn’t be a problem

If a contract extension can be agreed upon with his new team, before a trade is completed, Ezra should easily bring back day-two draft capital, in return. So, if the Vikings believe they are the same team with Dalton Risner at left guard, as they are with Ezra Cleveland playing there… then it only makes sense they ship Cleveland out if they can get a proper return.

So, should Ezra not play Sunday in Green Bay, it’s very possible we’ve seen him in a horned helmet for the last time.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan