Breaking: Vikings Closing In On Deal To Sign $262.5 Million Pro Bowl QB In Proposed Long-Term Contract

The Minnesota Vikings’ interest in the 2024 quarterback class has led to discussions regarding their best way forward. The most popular options have been to trade up in the draft or retain free agent signee Sam Darnold.

However, a third possibility remains: trade for an established quarterback.

SB Nation’s James Dator posits a potential trade package to acquire Justin Herbert, a former Pro Bowl quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers.

“The No. 5 pick feels like a pivot point in the class,” noted Dator on April 2.

Minnesota is expected to choose Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, assuming Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye are not considered. However, let us pretend for a moment that the NFL Draft is chaotic. Let’s imagine Jim Harbaugh chooses chaos.

Vikings get:

– Justin Herbert

Chargers get:

– Jordan Addison
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 11 overall)
– 2024 first-round pick (No. 23 overall)
– 2025 first-round pick

Chargers Re-Tool Sparking Trade Speculation

Datore speculates that Harbaugh may choose to re-establish ties with McCarthy, his old protege, who is closely associated with the Vikings.

And, rather than risk a vital season with a rookie, Dator proposes a deal for the Vikings.

“This is one of those ideas that seems utterly preposterous, and then you keep thinking about it, only to find it making more and more sense,” Dator said of the Chargers dealing Herbert. “Simply put: They’re not winning.”

The Chargers were 5-12 last season and 5-8 with Herbert, who missed the final four games due to index finger surgery.

Los Angeles also let its top three playmakers go either in free agency or trade this offseason.

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 sixth overall choice in the 2020 draft, has the most throwing yards in NFL history in his first four seasons (17,223), 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.

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Justin Jefferson’s Presence Fueling Vikings Trade Speculation

Dator emphasized the need of maintaining Justin Jefferson’s happiness. The Vikings have expressed interest in signing the four-time Pro Bowler to a long-term contract.

Jefferson has maintained confidence in his ability to succeed regardless of who is at center. And, as Datore points out, losing Addison in this hypothetical deal would hurt. But not having him at quarterback could be even more costly.

“Minnesota is in draft purgatory, unable to find a franchise quarterback who is too good to ruin everything.” The Vikings attack is constructed upon exceptional quarterback play, which necessitates acquiring a genuine talent at the position while avoiding risk,” Datore noted.