5 quarterbacks the Vikings should consider trading for in 2023
By Chris Schad
Trey Lance
The first name on every Viking fan’s mind is Trey Lance. The Marshall, Minnesota native starred during his one season as a starter at North Dakota state with 42 total touchdowns and zero interceptions. After his 2020 season was wiped out due to COVID-19, the San Francisco 49ers traded three first-round picks and a third-rounder just to select Lance with the third overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
At 6-foot-5 and 224 pounds, Lance is a walking tank with the mobility and arm strength that scouts crave at quarterback – but things have changed in San Francisco.
The rise of Brock Purdy reportedly has the 49ers thinking differently, as the Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Lance will likely be shopped this offseason. Silver also reported that most NFL executives believe Lance can be had for just a third-round pick, which should have most quarterback-needy teams calling.
If the reported price is true, the Vikings should have John Lynch on speed dial. Lance would be walking into a golden situation in Minnesota with Justin Jefferson at receiver, T.J. Hockenson at tight end, and potential for the other skill players to get younger and faster this offseason.
Lance would also have an advantage on the sidelines as Kevin O’Connell comes from the same Sean McVay coaching tree that Kyle Shanahan did.
There are some things that Lance needs to improve upon, but Cousins could be the perfect stopgap as O’Connell works on his development. Set to turn 23 in May, Lance would be an ideal target if the Vikings can pull off a deal.