Justin Jefferson Blockbuster Trade to Patriots Proposed by Cowherd; 'Outlandish'?

Justin Jefferson Blockbuster Trade to New England Patriots Proposed by Cowherd; 'Outlandish'?

A big offseason is ahead for the New England Patriots as the kickoff of a new era, one in which coach Bill Belichick will not be on the sidelines or in the front office making the moves behind the scenes. Instead, new coach Jerod Mayo will look to lead the Patriots through what looks to be the beginning of a rebuild. 

Despite the common belief that the Patriots will kick off that likely rebuild by selecting their next franchise quarterback with the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft. Fox Sports' Colin Cowherd proposes that New England trades that pick as part of a blockbuster deal that sees them land current Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. 

"What does New England desperately need? A playmaker," Cowherd said Monday. "I'll give you next year's [first-round pick] and Justin Jefferson to go from 11 to 3, because they've already got Jordan Addison, they've got the tight end [T.J. Hockenson] they like. They've got skill players. Next year's one and Justin Jefferson to move up to the number three spot to get your quarterback."

At least one Boston-area media outlet has called this "outlandish.'' But let's explore ...

The Trade

Vikings receive: Patriots' 2024 first-rounder (No. 3 overall)

Patriots receive: Justin Jefferson, Vikings' 2024 first-round pick (No. 11), Vikings' 2025 first-round pick

Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) reacts after a touchdown as New England Patriots linebacker Jahlani Tavai (48) looks on during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. 

Cowherd is right in this aspect: the Patriots certainly have a glaring need for play-makers. Last offseason's prize signing of JuJu Smith-Schuster didn't work as many had hoped. Smith-Schuster was an afterthought in the Patriots' offense rather than the replacement of Jakobi Meyers. 

However, the Patriots need a franchise quarterback. Last season's QB carousel was a big factor in the disastrous 3-14 season. The once-promising first-round pick, Mac Jones, looked bereft of confidence.

While Jones' backup, Bailey Zappe, did provide a reason for optimism late in the season, leading the Patriots to two of their four victories, does it really make sense to run it back with the former fourth-round pick for a full season as the starter?

And there is this: If you add Jefferson but don't have a QB, how much better is this NFL-worst offense in 2024?

Could New England sign a proven starter like JJ's current quarterback, Kirk Cousins? Maybe, but ...

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While there is talk of Cousins moving, there is no indicated that the Vikings are looking to trade Jefferson, their best player working on a cheap rookie contract.

This suggestion from Cowherd seems fueled by a recent report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that has the Vikings looking to move up in the draft to select their next quarterback. That might be true. But giving up Jefferson to get there, we bet, is not.