So far this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have already said goodbye to a number of longtime contributors, and another walked out the door on Sunday as wide receiver K.J. Osborn reportedly signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Osborn's new deal with the Patriots is reportedly worth $4 million, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. Since his contract is reportedly worth more than $3 million per year, the Vikings are currently in line to land another third-round compensatory draft pick in 2025.
Minnesota was already projected to have one third-round compensatory draft selection in 2025 following the departure of Kirk Cousins. But with Osborn signing with New England on Sunday, the Vikings are now also projected to be rewarded with a second third-round compensatory draft pick in 2025 due to the departure of pass rusher Danielle Hunter.
K.J. Osborn signing allows Minnesota Vikings to give up more to trade up in 2024 NFL Draft
With the two third-round compensatory selections they are now expected to gain from the departures of Cousins and Hunter, Minnesota is now currently projected to have three picks in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
This could potentially make it a little easier to part with some of their future draft picks when attempting to move up in the first round of this year's NFL Draft to land one of the top quarterback prospects.
With the Vikings just giving up their 2025 second-round selection in the trade they made this past Friday, they might have been a little hesitant to move on from their 2025 third-round in a trade, as that would be their only selection in the top 100 next year, assuming they include their 2025 first-round pick in a trade package to move up in this year's draft.
If Minnesota is attempting to acquire the No. 3 pick in the upcoming 2024 draft from the Patriots, the Vikings offering both of their 2024 first-round selections plus a first and a third-round pick in 2025 seems like a proposal that has a good chance of being accepted.
With Osborn's signing on Sunday, Minnesota would likely still have two additional selections in the third round of next year's NFL Draft, even if they decide to include their current 2024 third-round pick in a trade offer to move up this year.
It's a bit of a complicated process, but basically, the Vikings don't have to worry about losing as many future draft assets to move up and get a top quarterback prospect this year, thanks to Osborn signing with New England on Sunday.