Former Packers exec blocked Vikings' attempt at trading for Drake Maye
The Minnesota Vikings got their quarterback. Or did they?
Once the Vikings acquired an additional first-round pick in the weeks leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, Green Bay Packers fans feared the worst. What if they packaged both first-round picks to move up for Drake Maye? While such a bold move would come with significant risk, Maye offers franchise-quarterback upside.
The Vikings did trade up, but not as initially imagined, moving only one spot to acquire Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
While Minnesota will say McCarthy was its top target, a recent ESPN report suggests otherwise. And Packers fans have a familiar name to thank.
Packers fans have Eliot Wolf to thank for Vikings not landing Drake Maye
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the Vikings did try to trade up into the top three. Reiss reports that Minnesota offered the New England Patriots three first-round picks (No. 11, No. 23, and a 2025 first-rounder) to trade for No. 3 overall and two mid-round selections.
In other words, the Vikings offered a lot for Drake Maye but still couldn't get him.
New England declined all offers and drafted Maye with the third overall pick. Minnesota had to pivot and selected McCarthy instead.
Who made the call? That would be former Packers executive and current Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf.
Fun note from someone who would know: The Vikings called on draft day and removed the picks that would've come their way. No pick swaps. They offered 11, 23 and next year's 1st. And Wolf still told them to kick rocks. https://t.co/ao7U9N7KFi
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) April 30, 2024
Wolf almost became the Packers' general manager in 2018. He was one of the top contenders to replace Ted Thompson, leaving Green Bay with a difficult decision. The Packers went with Brian Gutekunst, but Wolf finally got his opportunity in New England.
The Patriots also needed a quarterback but were rumored to have interest in trading down from No. 3.
Thankfully, Wolf and his team decided not to, preventing any hopes for the Vikings to move up for Maye. The Packers already have to deal with Caleb Williams joining the NFC North. The last thing they needed was another young quarterback with Pro Bowl potential.
McCarthy could become a great player, but there's a reason why Maye went third overall. There's risk, but he has the talent to become a star.
Fortunately, that won't be in Minnesota. Thank you, Eliot Wolf.
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