Elite 2024 NFL Draft QB prospect reportedly wants to play for the Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are heavily interested in the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, with a consensus belief around the league that the team will choose one in the first round. It appears one in particular is very interested in playing for the Vikings.

With quarterback Caleb Williams set to be taken with the first overall pick by the Chicago Bears, the Vikings’ options in a trade-up scenario become Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels and J.J. McCarthy. Minnesota could also stay patient, targeting someone like Michael Penix Jr. with one of its first-round picks, but the top quarterback prospects offer a much higher ceiling.

Related: Is Jayden Daniels trying to force his way to the Minnesota Vikings?

• Jayden Daniels stats 2023 (ESPN): 3,812 passing yards 40-4 TD-INT, 95.6 QBR, 72.2% completion rate, 1,134 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 8.4 yards per carry

If Minnesota wants to land one of the upper-echelon passing prospects, however, it will come at a significant price. Recent NFL rumors revealed the staggering cost of moving up for a top-five pick. While sacrificing a majority of the club’s premium draft capital for the next three years is a gamble, the team’s interest in this year’s quarterback prospects is very real. Furthermore, there is reportedly mutual interest.

Related: More 2024 NFL Draft rumors tying Bo Nix to Minnesota Vikings

During an appearance on SportsCenter Saturday morning, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said that Daniels has an interest in playing for the Las Vegas Raiders or the Vikings.

“It does feel like there is some smoke here. That’s sort of undeniable at this point. I spoke to somebody who’s involved in Daniels’ process who does openly wonder, ‘is Daniels looking at his options right now?’ Now, he has had interest in playing for the Raiders. That is real…Intrigue in Minnesota as well.”

ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler on Jayden Daniels’ interest in playing for the Minnesota Vikings

Related: 2024 NFL Draft quarterback rankings, see where Jayden Daniels lands

• Jayden Daniels Arizona State stats: 6,025 passing yards, 32-13 TD-INT, 8.3 yards per attempt, 143.4 QB rating, 62.4% completion rate, 1,288 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns in 29 games

It’s easy to see why Daniels would want to play in Minnesota. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell is viewed as one of the best play- callers in the NFL and the caliber of coach who maximizes his quarterback’s skills. Plus, Minnesota boasts a solid offensive line and the receiving tandem of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison would provide Daniels with two outstanding pass-catchers.

Considering the success Daniels had in the LSU Tigers’ elite offense, playing in Minnesota would give him the best chance to be successful. However, the Vikings have been more frequently linked to McCarthy and Maye. Considering both Maye and McCarthy are better schematic fits in O’Connell’s system, it’s unlikely Daniels’ intrigue for playing in Minnesota will turn into reality.

Related: Why the Minnesota Vikings should draft J.J. McCarthy