The Minnesota Vikings recently acquired Sam Darnold as their quarterback after parting ways with Kirk Cousins.
General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah avoided labeling Darnold as a “bridge” quarterback but acknowledged his role on the team.
The Vikings are considering trading up in the upcoming draft to select a high-end rookie quarterback, and until then, Darnold will be the starting quarterback.
However, it is unlikely that Darnold will remain the starter for more than a year if the Vikings do draft a quarterback higher than ever before.
On Thursday, Vikings G.M. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah declined to say Sam Darnold is a "bridge" quarterback. If the Vikings are plotting to move up in the draft to get a QB, it goes without saying that Darnold will be a bridge to the future of the offense. https://t.co/vvOJl1f7Jh
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 16, 2024
The team’s plan is to find a quarterback who can lead them for at least a decade, if not longer.
Adofo-Mensah’s recent actions, acquiring a first-round pick and additional selections, indicate the team’s intent to make a significant move in the draft to secure a quarterback.
The Vikings now have the 11th and 23rd picks, giving them the ability to move up the draft board.
While some speculate that the Vikings will keep both picks, it is unlikely that they will solely rely on Darnold for the next season.
The team has enough ammunition to potentially secure a top three selection in the draft.
The exact quarterback that Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell prefers is unknown, but projections suggest that Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy are potential options.
Washington, New England, Arizona, and the Chargers hold the top five picks in the draft.
Both the Washington Football Team and the New England Patriots are in need of a quarterback but acquiring one would come at a steep price.
Washington’s pick holds a value of 717 points, while the Vikings’ two first-round picks are worth 603 points combined.
To entice Washington to consider an offer, Adofo-Mensah may need to include at least one future first-rounder.
The Patriots, with a pick valued at 514 points, might be more open to a trade as new coach Jerod Mayo inherits a team in need of significant work.
However, the Vikings’ two picks in the first round already represent an overpayment for a 2-for-1 swap. Adofo-Mensah may need to improve the offer to stand out among other interested teams.
Avoiding being outmaneuvered by other quarterback-needy teams like the New York Giants or Denver Broncos is crucial for the Vikings, who currently hold the No. 4 pick.
Should teams like the Bears, Commanders, and Patriots all snag quarterbacks before their turn, the worst-case scenario for the Vikings would be to see McCarthy grabbed by a team like the Broncos through a trade with the Cardinals, who hold the No. 4 pick.
By positioning the Vikings to not be outbid, Adofo-Mensah made a move to seize control in the draft positioning scramble.
Lastly, it is understandable that Adofo-Mensah was not completely transparent about his intentions regarding the quarterback position, as honesty and true intentions rarely mix well during this time of year.
Fans reacted as follows.
Florio, EVERYONE a knows Sam Darnold is a bridge QB
But…you don’t to shatter the self confidence of a 26-year old journeyman QB about to be on his 4th team
So..you tell the world he’s not a bridge
— Jackson Kruger (@JacksonRKruger) March 16, 2024
Darnold won't be a bridge, he will be the backup if they trade up
— Ryan Lund (@ryanlund93) March 16, 2024
He's signed to a 1 year deal…can't think he's a long term solution! If he does great maybe someone gives him Mayfield $$ while they sit their own rookie
— Kevin R Hamilton (@kevin_hamilton8) March 16, 2024
Chargers at 5 unfortunately 🙄 wish they would stick and pick
— DAWG (@chargerman89) March 16, 2024
Not if the person they draft starts right away
— Nicholas Gerlach (@NicholasGerlach) March 16, 2024
Sam Darnold is the cotton ball in the bottle of Tylenol. He is one of the first things to get thrown in the garbage after you open the new bottle.
— The Atomic Pirate (@TheAtomicPirate) March 16, 2024
Vikings now have announced a draft-pick trade with the Texans:
🏈Vikings receive: No. 23 and No. 232
🏈Texans receive: No. 42, No. 188 and a 2025 2nd-round pick.
Minnesota now positioned to potentially pursue a quarterback in round one. pic.twitter.com/CcUntPpNmE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2024
DRAFT TRADE: The Vikings have acquired the Texans’ first-round pick (No. 23 overall). (via @rapsheet, @tompelissero)
Vikings receive:
Pick No. 23
Pick No. 232Texans get:
Pick No. 42
Pick No. 188
2025 2nd-round pick pic.twitter.com/XSH6B362MW— NFL (@NFL) March 15, 2024
A Draft Trade!!
The #Vikings and #Texans have agreed to terms on a major deal in advance of the draft, per me and @TomPelissero, landing Minnesota another 1.
— Minnesota gets No. 23 and No. 232.
— Houston gets No. 42, 188 and a 2025 2nd rounder.MIN moves up, HOU collects. pic.twitter.com/ehRFqOKbFz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2024
