Breaking: Vikings Set To Lose Out on Top QB Target As New Suitor Emerges

The Minnesota Vikings are obviously planning to trade up for a quarterback in the NFL Draft that takes place next month, but there are teams that could stand in their way.

The Washington Commanders, who hold the rights to the second overall choice, and the New York Giants, who pick at number six, are two examples of these teams. The specific player or players that Minnesota is pursuing are unknown, but former Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy seems like a safe pick for the Vikings considering their current draft position (No. 11 overall) and possible trade partners.

According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, McCarthy was recently consulted by the Giants, and the Commanders plan to meet with him later this week.

On Tuesday, March 19, Schultz wrote to X, “Sources to @BleacherReport: Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy visited the #Giants last week, which included dinner with the front office and a tour of the facility.” “Multiple sources are stating that the #Commanders are flying out to Ann Arbor on Thursday night to have dinner with McCarthy the night before his Pro Day.”

Commanders’ Interest in J.J. McCarthy Opens Up Interesting Possibilities for Vikings

For a number of reasons, the Giants’ apparent interest is more alarming than the Commanders’ visit with McCarthy.

Given the team’s decisions to trade 2023 starter Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks, let Jacoby Brissett go for what looks to be a bridge starting position with the New England Patriots in 2024, and sign Marcus Mariota as a likely backup to a rookie QB next season, Washington is almost certain to take a quarterback at No. 2.

Therefore, by selecting McCarthy second overall, the Commanders would only knock Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels out of the top three, potentially opening the door for Minnesota to select a quarterback should the team move up into the top five.

McCarthy may not be as high on the Vikings’ draft board as Daniels, Maye, or both, even though both players are probably thought to be equally good possibilities. Therefore, losing out on McCarthy in exchange for one of those players might be better for Minnesota, if not a lateral move.

Vikings Could End Up NFL Draft Losers if Giants Trade Up With Cardinals, Draft QB

New York is a different story.

The Vikings select 11th, and the Giants select sixth. In this year’s draft, Minnesota struck a deal to acquire the 23rd pick of the Houston Texans. Most experts predict that the Vikings will package those two picks (Nos. 11 and 23) in exchange for a potential future first-round pick. The Arizona Cardinals are a potential trade partner at fourth overall, while the Los Angeles Chargers are the most likely trade partner at selection No. 5.

Marvin Harrison Jr., a wide receiver with potential for generational skill, can be selected fourth by the Cardinals, who have a serious need at wide receiver. It’s possible that the Cardinals won’t agree to drop seven slots to the Vikings. They might, however, be open to giving the Giants back two slots in exchange for a hefty future selection pick.

McCarthy would no longer be able to play for the Vikings if the Giants moved up to the No. 4 spot. Additionally, this would mean that the top four quarterback prospects would be selected before Minnesota could choose at No. 5.

This would complicate the Vikings’ trade with the Texans last week to obtain a second first-round pick in this year’s draft. It would also force Minnesota to make the difficult decision of passing on a first-round quarterback altogether or trading up to select a player like Bo Nix, who is probably not worth that play from a value perspective.