PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 14: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
An interesting blockbuster trade proposal has the Minnesota Vikings giving up superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson to an NFC rival in order to land their new new franchise quarterback.

The Vikings lost four-time Pro Bowler and starting QB Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons in free agency earlier this week. The 35-year-old Cousins agreed to a four-year pact with the Falcons worth $180 million.

The FanDuel sportsbook proposed a massive trade that has Minnesota dealing Jefferson and their two 2024 first-round picks (No. 11 and No. 23 overall) to the Chicago Bears in exchange for the first overall pick:

The Bears acquired the No. 1 pick courtesy of the Carolina Panthers, who surrendered their initial 2024 draft choice as part of the package to move up for Alabama QB Bryce Young with the first overall pick a year ago.

If Chicago is open to the idea of building around Justin Fields, then the trade proposal makes perfect sense. Along with two first-round selections, they would land the game’s best wideout to complement fellow stars D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen.

And if you’re Minnesota, you’re getting yourself a true franchise signal-caller in USC’s Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. On paper, it’s a win for both sides.

Justin Jefferson Has One Year Left On His Contract

With the Vikings picking up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, Jefferson is signed for just one more year before he could potentially hit free agency.

There is speculation that Minnesota could end up trading Jefferson to commence a full-scale rebuild. After all, it’s rather telling that both sides have yet to reach an agreement on an extension up to this point.

The Vikings would receive a king’s ransom in return for Jefferson, who’s still in the early stages of his prime as he enters his age-25 season. The ideal scenario, of course, would be for Minnesota to land a haul that would allow them to take a franchise QB, such as Williams.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 16: A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on the field prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 
One of the greatest NFL players of his generation will head right back to the free agent market.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers have released Pro Bowl cornerback and future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson. The move saves Mike Tomlin and company $6.85 million against the cap.

Last year, the Steelers signed Peterson to a two-year contract worth $14 million following his two-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings. But the eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-team All-Pro struggled considerably in Pittsburgh’s defense, and his hefty salary made his release from the Steelers inevitable.

Peterson appeared in all 17 games for the Steelers last season (16 starts) compiling two interceptions, 11 pass defenses and 42 combined tackled. The advanced statistics, however, did not paint a pretty picture for the future Hall of Famer.

According to Pro Football Reference, Peterson allowed a 59.4 completion percentage when targeted. He yielded a 91.5 opposing passer rating and surrendered four touchdowns in coverage, according to PFR.

The rise of rookie Joey Porter Jr., the son of former Steelers star Joey Porter, also made Peterson expendable in Steel City. Porter Jr. had a phenomenal rookie year in a limited role and will undoubtedly take over as the team’s lead CB1 in 2024.

There should still be considerable interest in Peterson, given his leadership and valuable experience. For his career, he has 36 interceptions and 122 pass defenses in 201 NFL games.