The Minnesota Vikings’ interest in the 2024 quarterback class has spurred debate over the best way ahead. The most prevalent possibilities considered were a blockbuster trade up in the draft or keeping with free agent signee Sam Darnold.
However, a third possibility remains: trade for an established quarterback.
SB Nation’s James Dator proposes a hypothetical trade package to acquire one-time Pro Bowler and Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert:
“The No. 5 choice seems like a watershed moment in the class,” Dator wrote on April 2.
“Up to this point, the idea has been that Minnesota would choose Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy as their guy, assuming Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye all out. However, let us pretend for a moment that the NFL Draft is chaotic. Let’s imagine Jim Harbaugh chooses chaos.
Datore speculates that Harbaugh may choose to start over with his former protege, McCarthy, to whom the Vikings have been closely linked.
And, rather than risk a vital season with a rookie, Dator proposes a deal for the Vikings.
“This is one of those concepts that appears absolutely ludicrous, but then you keep thinking about it, only to find it making more and more sense,” Dator wrote regarding the Chargers dealing Herbert. “Simply put, they aren’t winning.”
The Chargers were 5-12 last season and 5-8 with Herbert, who missed the final four games due to index finger surgery.
This summer, Los Angeles also lost its top three playmakers to free agency via trade.
Herbert concluded the season with 3,134 yards and 20 touchdowns on 65.1% completion, all career lows, along with seven interceptions. He is still one year away from beginning his five-year, $262.5 million contract.
Herbert, the No. 6 overall choice in the 2020 draft, has the most passing yards in NFL history in the first four seasons, according to Stathead.
His 114 career touchdown throws are second only to Hall of Famer Dan Marino.
The Chargers might face a $129.5 million dead cap hit in 2024. Aside from that, which would put an end to such discussions if they ever picked up the phone in the first place, the Vikings would have to assess their choices.
