Vikings' Draft Strategy: Asset Flips & Depth

0:00It's April 25th. This is NFL News today, powered by AI tracking teams, players, and standings. Last year, the Minnesota Vikings pulled off a slick move in the 2025 NFL Draft, trading back 30 spots to grab quarterback Sam, Howell, then flipping him just four months later to the Philadelphia Eagles for extra picks. Eagles got Howell, plus a 2026 6-rounder at number 211 overall, while Vikings snagged a 2026 5th rounder at number 163 and a 2027 7th rounder. That tray left the gap at backup QB, so Viking signed Carson Wentz to step in. Their season didn't pop off like they hoped, but the extra draft capital positioned them nicely heading into this weekend's 2026 draft. Fans and analysts are buzzing about how it shook out. Vikings used that 5th round pick on cornerback Charles Demings, adding depth to the secondary. Meanwhile, Eagles flipped the 6th rounder they got to Baltimore and a deal for Jari Alexander,

1:02so they didn't even draft with it. Howell? He rode the bench all season in Philly, never saw a snap as the number three emergency guy behind Jalen Hertz and Tanner McKee, who got one. Meaningless start in week 18. Overall, Vikings flipped picks twice for a net gain, turning what looked like a QB gamble into smart asset flips. Now with the 2026 draft here, they're loaded with capital to maneuver and build for the future.