Latest Patriots rumor clears path for Vikings to trade for top draft pick

Following Kirk Cousins’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons, the Vikings are expected to try to draft a quarterback this year for a long-term solution at the position. The Vikings signed Sam Darnold for this season, but Kevin O’Connell needs a better quarterback under center to get the ball to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison while they’re still in their prime.

The Vikings have a couple of options in the first round. They can draft a quarterback outside of the top 10 and take another player, probably a pass-rusher, to replace Danielle Hunter. The other possibility is to piece together those two first-round picks and trade them into the top five so they can draft a top quarterback prospect. But for that to happen, the Vikings would need a trade partner.

The New England Patriots are ready to trade the No. 3

The Arizona Cardinals have been rumored to be a potential trade suitor with the No. 4 pick. However, another name popped up on Thursday. According to Ari Meirov with the 33rd Team, the New England Patriots are open to trading their No. 3 pick:

“Patriots executive Eliot Wolf says they’re open for business with the No. 3 overall pick and every pick they have in the draft. Wolf admits they have holes to fill on the roster and believes “the more picks we have, the better.

"But he also indicated they’ll be comfortable sticking at No. 3 if that’s the best option based on the offers they receive."

The New England Patriots seem content to roll with Jacoby Brissett

The Patriots gave Jacoby Brissett penciled in as their QB1, so it’s somewhat surprising they’re looking to trade back in the draft. The roster does have several holes. New head coach Jerod Mayo isn’t going to have much success in New England without a playmaker under center.

Per Meirov, teams have called the Patriots about the No. 3 pick, but no one has been willing to give up enough capital to make a deal happen:

“Teams have called and will continue to call the Patriots. Their de facto general manager, Elliot Wolf, has been listening and willing to engage. It will take a godsend offer to make it happen, but unlike the Bears and Commanders at No. 1 and 2, the Patriots continue to listen.”

The Vikings, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders will have a week to decide if they like a quarterback enough to trade into the top three. The Patriots aren’t going to give it up for cheap. But the Vikings have a good enough roster that they have a more pressing need to find a quarterback than the Patriots.

Will they give up enough to strike a deal for the No. 3 pick?