Breaking: Vikings’ Efforts to Sign $160 Million QB Hindered by Agent, Insider Says
The Minnesota Vikings did not connect with LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels during his pro day, likely hoping to gain more insight in a private session with the consensus top-three choice.
Unfortunately, the Vikings have received some criticism from Daniels’ representatives.
According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, the Vikings have been unable to schedule a private meeting with Daniels due to his agent’s doubts about the team’s ability to take him in the top three picks.
“Let me make this clear: the Vikings want to connect with Jayden Daniels.” Wolfson said on an April 4 airing of SKOR North’s “Mackey and Judd” podcast before explaining Daniels’ perspective. “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. We really don’t think New England is going to move off of No. 3. Why have him do all these meetings it’s already been a lengthy 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?’ ”
The Vikings have taken a unique approach to evaluating this year’s quarterback class. Kevin O’Connell has not attended pro days and instead spent extensive time with prospects in private sessions.
However, three weeks before the selection, O’Connell has yet to see Daniels throw in person (he did not work out at the combine) and may not if the Vikings fail to demonstrate their ability to move up the draft board.
“That is what the Vikings are attempting to convince the Daniels camp of: ‘Yes, we are very interested. There is a possibility that we could land him. Wolfson stated, “We want to do as much homework on him as possible.” “That’s where the dialogue continues, but make no mistake, the Vikings hope to connect with Daniels.”
Vikings’ Trade-Up Troubles With Patriots Are a Concern for Daniels
The Vikings are unlikely to trade up to the Washington Commanders, who currently hold the second place.
According to Wolfson, the Vikings have proposed a deal with the New England Patriots for the No. 3 pick, dating back to the February Senior Bowl.
The Patriots have consistently sent a strong scouting team to every first-round quarterback prospect’s pro day, indicating their commitment to the position.
According to an April 5 piece by Chad Gradd of The Athletic, the Patriots intend to take a quarterback, most likely with the third pick.
However, the Patriots could also be trying to convince the Vikings they’re not desperate to trade down in an attempt to drive up the price in an eventual deal.
Giants Could Intercept Top QB From Vikings
Among three teams with multiple first-round picks this year, the Vikings have the means of making arguably the most valuable trade package to move up inside the top five picks.
However, if a team in that range is unwilling to trade back to No. 11, the New York Giants may have some leverage. The Giants have the sixth overall pick and may only need to offer a Day 2 pick to move up a few spots.
There have already been whispers that a Giants-Patriots trade is in the works.
“One league source said he believes that if Maye somehow gets past the Washington Commanders at No. 2 — which is far from a certainty — the Giants would consider making an aggressive offer to the New England Patriots to move up from No. 6 to No. 3 to draft him,” Ralph Vacchiano, a reporter for Fox Sports, reported April 5 of this year.
The Patriots are positioned to have to weigh the Giants’ aggressive offer against the Vikings, who could offer the No. 11, No. 23 and a 2025 first-round pick.
