NFL Report: The deal is done, Vikings have paid huge amounts for patriots’ no.3 pick and…

With no end in sight, many are asking if the Vikings are aiming for the New England Patriots as they maneuver around the 2024 NFL Draft board.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Minnesota allegedly made a trade with the Houston Texans on Friday, receiving the 23rd and 232nd overall picks in return for 42 and 188 this year, as well as a second-round selection in 2025.

What role does New England play in this? Allow us to clarify.

With the No. 11 and No. 23 picks in the April draft now in their possession, the Vikings have plenty of leverage to trade for No. 3 in the draft, should New England be interested in doing so.

Minnesota looks prepared to pursue a quarterback after losing Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency. It has been linked to Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy throughout the draft process, but if they are able to secure the number three pick, they may be able to choose between Drake Maye of North Carolina and Jayden Daniels of LSU.

The Patriots may drop back to No. 23 and select Justin Jefferson, a fantastic wide receiver, if they aren’t in love with Maye or Daniels. On Rich Hill’s trade value table, they might also advocate for both No. 11 and No. 23, which together account for more points (603) than No. 3 (514). In this case, all the power is with New England.