The Minnesota Vikings and the Houston Texans agreed to terms on trading picks for the 2024 and 2025 NFL Drafts. The Vikings will get the Texans’ 2024 first-round (23rd overall) and seventh-round (232nd overall) selections. In return, Houston gets Minnesota’s 2024 second-rounder (42nd overall), 2024 sixth-rounder (188th overall), and a 2025 second-rounder.

With the Vikings retaining their original first-round selection (11th overall), they now have two picks in the first round, giving them enough capital for a trade if they move up the draft board. In doing so, they will have a chance to draft one of the top quarterback prospects like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.

The Vikings are executing their quarterback plan after long-time starter Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, $180 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. They signed Sam Darnold to a one-year, $10 million deal as a contingency measure.

Darnold can be the bridge quarterback for the prospect they will select in the first round. However, in acquiring the Texans’ first-round selection, the Vikings have the draft stock to negotiate with the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots.

If they can’t move up the board, the Vikings can use both picks to address their positions of need. After Danielle Hunter signed with the Texans, they will need an edge rusher. The Vikings must also fortify their offensive line and cornerback rotation.

-Lance Fernandez