The Minnesota Vikings acquired the 23rd pick in next month’s NFL Draft in a trade with the Houston Texans on Friday. Minnesota now has picks 11 and 23 in the first round.

With the Chicago Bears more than likely drafting Caleb Williams and the Washington Commanders also taking a quarterback, the Patriots could be a possible trade partner for Minnesota if they decide to move up in the draft.

If the Vikings are willing to part with their two ones this year and future first rounder, the Patriots have to consider it. Especially if they are not that high on any of the top three quarterbacks in this year’s class. 

I have been steadfast since the end of the season that the Patriots should draft a quarterback with the third pick but if they do not like any of the top guys in this class, they should not force the pick and they should consider trading down if the right offer is on the table. 

The Patriots have multiple needs and additional picks in this draft and next year’s draft could enable Eliot Wolf and the front office to completely retool the roster and potentially build a contending team. 

Two of the last three quarterback classes have been awful. Even though the odds of landing a franchise quarterback are better in the first round, there is no guarantee that a first round quarterback will develop into a franchise quarterback. The Patriots know that all too well with Mac Jones.

If the opportunity is there to add more picks and rebuild the roster, the Patriots have to at least consider trading the third overall pick. Not talking to the Vikings or any other team for that matter would be a mistake. 

New England has the next 40 days to figure it out. Until, the great debate of to trade or not to trade rages on.