The Vikings break silence amid a trade for the 21-year-old quarterback star…

Reports indicate that the Minnesota Vikings made a significant effort to trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft, targeting Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson as their future franchise signal-caller. The Vikings, holding the 23rd pick in the first round, allegedly offered an extensive package to move up to secure Richardson, who was eventually drafted by the Indianapolis Colts at the #4 overall spot. The proposed trade apparently involved a substantial haul, with the Vikings willing to part with a significant number of assets to secure their desired quarterback.

Brett Kollmann, a guest on Mina Kimes’ show, revealed the extent of the Vikings’ pursuit, emphasizing that the team was prepared to give away a considerable portion of their draft capital to make the trade happen. However, the potential trade partner declined the offer, speculating that the Vikings would perform too well, and subsequently opted for a different option.

The Vikings, according to Kollmann, are expected to remain active in their pursuit of a quarterback, with current speculation pointing towards their interest in Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner, projected to go in the Top 5 of early mock drafts.

The Vikings currently hold the 12th overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The report suggests that the team’s willingness to offer a significant package in the previous draft indicates a continued commitment to securing a quarterback in the first round. The outcome of the team’s regular-season finale against Detroit will impact their draft position, falling somewhere between the 9th and 12th picks based on the game results.

“I don’t think people realize how hard the Vikings tried to trade up for Anthony Richardson last year. Like, the hall that they put on the table was massive. They were going to give away the entire farm, all of it. They were going to give everything.”

“But, it takes two to… pic.twitter.com/EPakbaocbK

— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) January 6, 2024

The quarterback situation remains a focal point for the Vikings this offseason, with decisions revolving around their current quarterback, Kirk Cousins. If the Vikings believe they can’t secure a quarterback in the first round, there may be an inclination to retain Cousins. However, given the reported efforts to trade up in the previous draft, it seems the team is open to exploring all options to acquire their preferred signal-caller.

As the offseason approaches, the Vikings’ actions in the quarterback market, particularly in the draft, will be closely watched. The reported past pursuit of Anthony Richardson could serve as an indicator of their strategy, potentially shaping their decisions in the coming months.

The risk of letting Cousins go in favor of a draft pick involves uncertainties, but if the Vikings are confident in their ability to secure their targeted quarterback, it may dictate their offseason moves.