NFC Team Showing Interest in Trade for Patriots' No. 3 Pick

The New England Patriots are in prime position with the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. They could use that selection to land a new franchise quarterback, though they might not get their top choice with other QB-needy squads picking in front of them.

That opens up the door for a potential trade, which would provide New England with additional draft assets to jump start a rebuild post-Bill Belichick.

Discussions around trading the No. 3 pick have been mostly hypothetical to this point, but the latest report from Minnesota reveals this path is a legit possibility.

According to local reporter Darren Wolfon, the Vikings reached out to the Patriots at the Senior Bowl in regards to a possible deal. Wolfon said there was a "seed planted" between these two sides, which means talks have at least been started.

Now, there's no guarantee Minnesota's overtures go anywhere. Franchises disagree on trade parameters all the time, especially when it comes to valuing draft picks for exciting, but unproven players.

Still, this reveal is noteworthy. The Patriots, who desperately need talent not just at quarterback but across most of the roster, will want as many options available as possible heading into the draft. Smart front offices aren't just set on one outcome, but instead open to any route that improves their team.

New England would be limiting itself significantly by rebuffing any trade interest. Even the Chicago Bears, who have a chance to take the top QB in the class with the No. 1 pick, are seemingly listening and even open to dealing their prized selection.

The fact that Minnesota has started the conversation some two months away from the event helps get the balling rolling. If they're interested, there's surely others as well, which could set off a bidding war between any of the several teams who want one of the top-three QBs in April.

More New England Patriots NFL Draft news and rumors: