The Minnesota Vikings have been linked to a trade-up ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft for weeks. With draft day approaching, a clearer picture is emerging of what it might cost the Vikings to land a top pick to choose their next franchise quarterback.
Minnesota essentially telegraphed its draft plans in NFL free agency. The moment the Vikings allowed Kirk Cousins to leave for the Atlanta Falcons and then signed Sam Darnold, many around the league knew what general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wanted to do.
The signs were even more apparent when Minnesota acquired the 23rd overall pick from the Houston Texans in exchange for the 42nd and 188th overall picks and a 2025 second-round pick. While there is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding which of the top 2024 NFL Draft quarterback prospects Adofo-Mensah wants, what is obvious to everyone around the NFL are his intentions on draft night.
What will it cost the Minnesota Vikings to trade up in the NFL Draft?
Unfortunately for Minnesota, that approach could prove costly. With three quarterbacks expected to come off the board in the first three picks, Adofo-Mensah will presumably be left with one viable option if he trades up. Furthermore, the clear signals of what Minnesota wants to do are seemingly driving up what the Arizona Cardinals’ asking price will be for the No. 4 pick.
On the latest Inside Coverage podcast, Yahoo Sports NFL insider Charles Robinson said that Minnesota would have to pay a “massive premium” for the fourth overall pick, potentially three first-round picks and another pick.
“Everybody is saying right now it’s going to be a massive premium, especially if it’s going to be the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings may have to give up both firsts this year, a first in 2025 and maybe another plus draft pick down the line.”
Charles Robinson – Inside Coverage Podcast
Whether it’s the Cardinals or the Los Angeles Chargers (fifth overall pick), both teams are in a position of leverage over Minnesota. Few around the NFL believe the Vikings are committed to Darnold being their starting quarterback in 2024, effectively calling the team’s bluff by setting a high asking price for a trade-up.
If the Vikings don’t pay the price, they are then at risk of losing a top quarterback prospect to the New York Giants. While Minnesota could theoretically stand pat and draft Michael Penix Jr. with the 11th overall pick, that would be its own gamble considering his injury history (two ACL tears and shoulder separation).
Because of those factors, Adofo-Mensah might have to sacrifice three first-round picks at a minimum just to land someone like J.J. McCarthy.
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