Several trade targets come with caveats. The Atlanta Falcons could help unlock cap space by dealing Kirk Cousins, but he isn’t the same player he was when he left Minnesota. Malik Willis is a free agent who may cost too much, and the Cardinals and Dolphins appear ready to move Kyler Murray and Tua Tagovailoa, respectively, though both carry injury and consistency concerns plus hefty price tags. 💸🏷️
A trade for Mac Jones is another plausible option, though it would likely require a Day 2 pick and could spark competition for his services around the league. Seifert also floated a novel possibility: trading with the Las Vegas Raiders for Geno Smith, whose time in Vegas is seen as numbered after Las Vegas drafted Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. 🌀🏦
Geno Smith trade economics are key. The Raiders moved a third-round pick to Seattle to acquire Smith and signed him to a two-year, $75 million extension through 2027, but his 2023–24 season included a league-high 17 interceptions. If Minnesota could land him for roughly a fifth-round pick and about $10 million per year with a relatively inexpensive 2027 opt-out, the deal could make sense for a discounted upgrade. 💰🔄
Ultimately, the Vikings must decide what type of quarterback should challenge JJ McCarthy in 2026. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has stressed a competitive QB room, and ESPN-sourced chatter suggested Minnesota could pursue a quarterback with enough stature to vault ahead of McCarthy, or at least someone similar to Daniel Jones in 2025—who started 13 games after winning the Colts’ job—to push the room forward. 🏆🚀
