Justin Jefferson Trade To Patriots? 'Credible Rumor' Starts with No. 3 Pick in NFL Draft

Justin Jefferson Trade To New England Patriots? 'Credible Rumor' Starts with No. 3 Pick in NFL Draft

The NFL Scouting Combine is kicking off in Indianapolis this week, and that means the trade rumor mill is also about to accelerate. But we can tell you, as it relates to the idea of the New England Patriots and the Minnesota Vikings visiting about a potential blockbuster?

We think this is more than a rumor. 

According to a report from Minnesota that we will at this point label as "credible,'' the two teams have engaged in discussions about a monster trade.

What makes it a "monster''? Mostly, at this early stage, the fact that the post-Bill Belichick Patriots own the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

What are the speculative branches that can extend off that "credible'' tree?

Jefferson and patriots
Jefferson and patriots

They surely begin with the rumored availability of young superstar receiver Justin Jefferson, who is understandably seeking to become the highest-paid player ever at his position (at more than $30 million APY) ... with the Vikings supposedly balking at that.

And so Jefferson could be available.

Also in play: Depending on what the Vikings do with quarterback Kirk Cousins, they might want to jump to the No. 3 slot (while needing to part ways with multiple first-round picks in order to get up there) to pick a QB.

And there is this: Doesn't New England, which certainly has a desperate need for a spectacular playmaker like Jefferson, also have the same need at QB that Minnesota has?

Combine Curiosity: Patriots' Top Draft Targets Skipping Drills in Indianapolis

The Vikings are presently at the No. 11 spot. Would the Patriots swap back and grab the extra picks while continuing to wobble along with Mac Jones leading the incumbent QB pack?

Or would the Patriots be better off sitting pretty at No. 3, with a shot at whichever guy is left between USC's Caleb Williams, LSU's Jayden Williams and North Carolina's Maye?

It is notable that both the Patriots and the Vikings have similar holes to fill ... and are yet examining the idea of scratching each others' backs.


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Mike Fisher
MIKE FISHER

Mike Fisher - as a newspaper beat writer and columnist and on radio and TV, where he is an Emmy winner - has covered the NFL since 1983. He is the author of two best-selling books on the NFL.