A recent report from Thursday night disclosed that the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings reportedly inquired about trading for arguably the top young quarterback in the league, but received the response you’d expect.
Heading into Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft, both the Vikings and Patriots shared a common goal: to secure a young quarterback with the potential to lead their franchise. Speculation had surrounded both teams for weeks regarding which players they might select and potential trades they might make in the first round.
After the first night of the draft, both teams accomplished their objectives. The New England Patriots chose North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick, a player with significant potential. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings traded up a spot to acquire JJ McCarthy, the quarterback who won the national championship in 2023.
However, before they secured the players they ultimately drafted, it appears that both teams explored the possibility of a significant trade for the league’s best young quarterback.
“Recently, both the Patriots and Vikings contacted the Chargers to inquire about the availability of QB Justin Herbert, according to league sources revealed by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. However, the response from the Chargers was an immediate and resounding ‘no.’
It’s common for teams to explore potential trades, but this one seems particularly far-fetched. Herbert is reportedly a major factor in why new head coach Jim Harbaugh left Michigan for the NFL earlier this year. Trading him now wouldn’t make much sense, especially considering his connection with his former college QB JJ McCarthy.
Since entering the league in 2020, Herbert has consistently thrown for over 4,300 yards and 25 or more touchdowns each season, except for his shortened 2023 season due to injury.”
