The NFL Scouting Combine is kicking off in Indianapolis this week, and that capability the change rumor mill is also about to accelerate. But we can tell you, as it relates to the idea of the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings travelling about a plausible blockbuster?
We assume this is more than a rumor.
According to a document from Minnesota that we will at this point label as “credible,” the two groups have engaged in discussions about a monster trade.What makes it a “monster”? Mostly, at this early stage, the fact that the post-Bill Belichick Patriots own the No. three common pick out in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
What are the speculative branches that can lengthen off that “credible” tree?
They actually begin with the rumored availability of younger celebrity receiver Justin Jefferson, who is understandably in search of to emerge as the highest-paid participant ever at his position (at more than $30 million APY) … with the Vikings supposedly balking at that.
And so Jefferson should be available.
Also in play: Depending on what the Vikings do with quarterback Kirk Cousins, they may prefer to bounce to the No. three slot (while needing to phase approaches with more than one first-round options in order to get up there) to pick a QB.And there is this: Doesn’t New England, which virtually has a determined need for a dazzling playmaker like Jefferson, also have the identical want at QB that Minnesota has?
The Vikings are presently at the No. 11 spot. Would the Patriots swap back and seize the more options while continuing to wobble alongside with Mac Jones leading the incumbent QB pack?
Or would the Patriots be better off sitting quite at No. 3, with a shot at whichever guy is left between USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Williams and North Carolina’s Maye?
It is excellent that both the Patriots and the Vikings have comparable holes to fill … and are but analyzing the notion of scratching every others’ backs.
