Exclusive: Vikings Eyeing Exciting Young QB Who ‘Would Enjoy’ Landing in MN, Insider Says

Minnesota Vikings and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels share mutual feelings.

According to a report from ESPN Insider Dan Graziano, the idea of pairing Daniels with Justin Jefferson is being “entertained” within the Vikings organization. “Minnesota knows it will eventually need to address the quarterback position long-term, and the idea of pairing Daniels with LSU graduate star Justin Jefferson is gaining interest from some within the organization,” Graziano wrote on Feb. 10 .

KSTP’s Darren Wolfson echoed Daniels’ sentiments, saying the Heisman Trophy winner, a consensus top-five pick in this year’s draft, would “love” to land in Minnesota. “And of course Daniels wants to get here,” Wolfson wrote on X (formerly Twitter). This indicates that they heard about it from Daniels’ source.

Vikings interested in trading pick no. 3 for Jayden Daniels Field: ESPN

After declining Kirk Cousins’ long-term extension last offseason, the Vikings were willing to move on from the veteran quarterback. However, with Nick Mullens and Jaren Holman under contract for next season, the successor plan did not materialize. None of the backup quarterbacks who replaced Cousins, who missed the final nine games of the season with a season-ending Achilles injury on Oct. 29, inspired confidence.

That creates both short- and long-term needs for the Vikings, who are looking to give a first-round prospect a year of cushion against an experienced starter. Yes, moving on from Cousins could make it more difficult to compete in 2024, as it adds to the loss of a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback and the $28.5 million the Vikings will have to eat. However, managing director Kwesi Adofo-Mensah admitted that he is not afraid to take a step back to better position the organization for the next few years. This will replace the campaign, and Grzeano and Grzezano Vikings and Atlanta Falcons are replaced by the third number (in the hands of the new British patriot).

“Patriots are necessary quarterly, but they are ready to choose.” №3. But they were opened and returned to the design and wrote in a free table. “If the king cannot make a choice -two teams will be two teams, I will be the eyes and the Vikings (11, they will not return their grandchildren).

Even if the Viking lands from Daniel, it wants to sign a quarter -quarter in the next season, but after June 2024, the lid will be guaranteed at an available price, without guarantee the lid. Kirk Cousins is expected to lead a strong market in free agency.

Let’s be clear: The Vikings want Cousins back, and Cousins wants Cousins back. As both sides have stated several times over the past year. However, there are financial reasons for Cousins to receive a one-year contract, as the deal is not completed before the start of the 2023 season.

Cousins is set to become a free agent in March, and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero expects him to command a “strong market” beyond the Vikings’ existing expansion. “(The Vikings) want to sign Kirk Cousins, who becomes a free agent in March, and even with a torn Achilles, we expect Cousins to have a strong market at age 35.” Pelissero said on NFL Network’s “NFL Gameday” on Feb. 11: “Minnesota is exploring all options if Cousins goes elsewhere. If the price is too high, the Vikings could go after the frugal veteran.”