The Minnesota Vikings will not let go of Kirk Cousins’ fully guaranteed contract, meaning there could be a new starting QB next season.Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio recently reported that the Vikings are serious about finding a new franchise QB, adding that the best way to do that might be to dangle wide receiver Justin Jefferson as the centerpiece of a trade package that could land them. this conversation.The Viking AgeThe Viking Age@TheVikingAge·FollowIf it gave them a franchise QB, would the Vikings be willing to trade WR Justin Jefferson this offseason?4:09 PM · February 19, 202421Reply”I think [the Vikings] want a franchise quarterback and trading Justin Jefferson could be the key to moving up [in the draft] if they want to,” Florio . said on Monday, 19. about the Xth account of The Viking Age in February.Justin Jefferson retained massive trade value in NFL Season 5. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings GetGettyWide 44r Jefferson of Minnesota Vikings.The Vikings could try to deal Jefferson in almost any league and get at least a few #1 players back.”I don’t think Jefferson would get three first-round picks in a trade, but the Vikings could probably get two first-round picks and one mid-round pick or starting caliber veteran if they chose to build from a new game. grind and trade him,” ESPN wrote scientist Bill Barnwell in October 2023, adding that it was not a plan he would support.Minnesota’s own No. 11 pick, along with a pair of other No. 1 picks — one in the top half of this year’s draft and another with solid prospects in 2025 — should be able to put the Vikings in a serious conversation, as the New England Patriots at No. 3.Indeed, No. 11 and another first, and a lower draft ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported on February 10 that the Patriots may be convinced of a trade and named the Vikings as one of the teams. looking into a possible trade with the Atlanta Falcons.Direct Trade to Bears #1 Likely To Pay Vikings Justin Jefferson DraftCaleb Williams USCGettyQuarterback Caleb Williams of USC Trojans.Moving up to No. 3 would be nice and give the Vikings a chance to secure either Jayden Daniels or Drake Maye, depending on who the Washington Chiefs pick second. This all assumes the Caleb Williams no. .That said, if the Vikings are willing to trade Jefferson for the option of getting a defensive lineman, they should probably only do so if they can get a signal caller of their choice. The only way to accomplish that is to acquire the #1 pick, which would likely require an outright trade to the Bears.Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on February 10 that it would take a “historic quest” to move Chicago. The Bruins received two No. 1 picks, two No. 2 picks and Carolina Panthers receiver DJ Moore for the 2023 top pick.So Jefferson — worth two No. 1 picks and worthy of a quarterback through Barnwell — along with the two Minnesota’s other No. 1 picks (No. 11 in 2024 and No. 1 pick in 2025) appear to be in the ballpark. On Rapoport’s pre-Super Bowl value.Justin Jefferson trade would be tough for Vikings to swallowJustin Jefferson, VikingsGettyMinnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson.In the end, the Vikings probably wouldn’t trade Jefferson at all. But it’s a painful thought, but it’s at least worth thinking about.Spotrac estimates Jefferson’s market value at €29.3 million during the new four-year deal. When healthy, however, he was the best receiver in football, breaking records left and right in his first three seasons, all of which ended with a Pro Bowl. So Jefferson has a good chance to break records at the negotiating table as soon as he gets there.Minnesota can pay Jefferson, but the franchise can’t afford to trade him. If Cousins ​​doesn’t return, the Vikings must have a strong backup plan to put faith in their All-Pro. It won’t be difficult for the front office to come up with a plan or six, but it may be difficult to find one that puts Jefferson’s mind at ease if none of them involve Cousins’ return.He is the best free agent quarterback to hit the market in March. The Vikings don’t get a sure shot if they draft a QB with the 11th pick or if they trade down and take one later in the first round.Jefferson said less than a week ago that he wanted guarantees from the center before signing a long-term extension in Minnesota, and right now the team can’t give him anything. As such, dealing the best wide receiver in football may make sense, but the return has to be huge and the QB solution — which the trade paves the way for — has to lead to a franchise player donning the purple and gold..