The Minnesota Vikings are in an interesting position heading into the 2024 NFL draft. They need a quarterback of the future in the worst way, but everyone in the National Football League knows that. That knowledge can add capital to whatever trade ends up happening for the Vikings to trade up.
It isn't just about whether or not the Vikings can trade up because they certainly have the assets to do so. It's about who will say yes and at what price. That is the one thing that hindered them from moving up to third overall with the Arizona Cardinals to go and get Anthony Richardson.
When taking a look at trading for a quarterback, there are a lot of factors to consider. From the price to trade up and acquire that pick to the player that they get, there is a lot to consider. Here are the best options for the Vikings ranked.
The least favorable option also happens to be the one that is the cheapest. Why is that? A quarterback falling down the board this far doesn't feel too likely. However, if one does like Justin Fields did in 2021, the move up wouldn't be much. It would likely look something like 11 and 23 for 8 and 43. That would be an absolute steal for the Vikings, but it's also very unlikely.
Unlike the trade above, this one is arguably the most likely to occur come draft day. The Arizona Cardinals have been very open about wanting to potentially move down the board. General manager Monti Oessenfort has said as much during his press availability during the lead up to the draft.
The key for the Cardinals will be also negotiating a move back up the board to get the player that they covet. They did so last year to go and get Paris Johnson Jr. which is how the acquired an extra first and third-round picks in this year's NFL draft. The cost could end up meaning the Vikings need to give up three first-round picks, but hitting on the quarterback is what is most important.
It's an interesting dynamic to look at the cost to trade up when you consider the player you are going to get. Now, the difference between QB3 and QB4 is going to be less than the difference between QB2 and QB4. Trading up to get QB3 could cost you nearly as much as getting QB2 which is what makes acquiring the third overall pick so fascinating. Do you want to potentially give up an extra first-round pick to get a marginally better quarterback in theory? That is all going to be determined by your evaluations on each specific player.
The interesting thing about trading up for the fifth overall pick is that you are likely getting the fourth quarterback and that in itself carries inherent risk. Is that fourth quarterback worth trading up for? Are they your guy in this class? The danger here is you don't want to go and get "any guy." You want "the guy."
Now, if you do love the guy available at fifth overall, that's a massive win. Yes, you likely don't have a day two pick in a class with a lot of depth in that range. However, it's a trade up for a quarterback that won't break the bank.
This is the best option for the Vikings but it also happens to be the most expensive. Why is it the best?
You guarantee you get your guy once Caleb Williams goes first overall.
That guarantee means a lot to organizations. You don't want to lose your guy in the process of waiting for others to pass on him. That could ruin your entire draft strategy. Just go and get that guy and don't think twice. The cost here could be astronomical and cost you four first round picks. That would mean you traded three firsts and two seconds because of the trade you made to get 23rd overall. Now, is that price worth it? Absolutely, as long as you hit on the quarterback.
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