NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Drake Maye Seen as Possible Vikings Trade Target by Some Teams

zach bacharContributor IMarch 29, 2024

Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

There’s “belief among some teams” that the Minnesota Vikings are interested in trading up for former North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye in the 2024 NFL draft, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

“Drake Maye, I’ve heard from multiple league execs he has the most upside of any of the quarterbacks in this draft, maybe any player in this draft,” Fowler said during a Friday appearance on SportsCenter. “He’s got that Josh Allen, Justin Herbert build—I’m not saying he’s them but he’s got some of those shades—where if you can let him sit for a year behind the scenes, he can really develop into an All-Star.”

“The Vikings could be a perfect scenario for them,” added Fowler. “There’s a belief among some teams that Minnesota could try to trade up to get him. It would take a lot, but they are armed with two first-round picks to try to make it happen.”

The Vikings could use a young franchise quarterback such as Maye to build the team around after former starting quarterback Kirk Cousins signed a massive four-year contract worth $180 million with the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

Minnesota added former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold on March 11, handing him a one-year deal worth $10 million. However, Darnold is likely serving as a stopgap quarterback instead of a long-term solution under center.

The Vikings are currently armed with the No. 11 and No. 23 overall picks in the 2024 draft, although they could package them together with additional assets in order to move up into Maye’s expected range.

It might be difficult for Minnesota to find a trade partner, though. The Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and the New England Patriots hold the top three picks in the draft. Those three teams all appear to be interested in a rookie quarterback after trading incumbent signal-callers Justin Fields, Sam Howell, and Mac Jones respectively.

Still, the concept of Maye throwing to Minnesota’s weapons is enticing for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The Vikings boast one of the league’s most talented receivers in Justin Jefferson, while former first-round pick Jordan Addison racked up 911 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2023.

Maye is coming off an impressive senior campaign with the Tar Heels, throwing for 3,608 yards and rushing for 449 more. He recorded 24 touchdown passes compared to nine interceptions.

Carolina Football @UNCFootball𝙏𝙖𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩!@DrakeMaye2 with the🎯 to @jjjones_5! pic.twitter.com/rcX2vkft6k

B/R NFL Scout Derrik Klassen was impressed with Maye’s combination of athleticism and off-platform throwing ability.

“He has the athleticism, arm talent and baseline processing skills to become a weapon at the next level,” Klassen wrote. “All he needs to do is cut out some of the ‘doing too much’ plays. Maye has the skill set to fit in any system and develop into a star.”

While trading up may be difficult, Minnesota’s front office will likely be active on the phones up until the draft begins on April 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET.