Heres your meds.
JJ Mac will not bring a 1st round pick in the '25 draft. Perhaps a 2026 #1. But right now, we are in the period where this years picks are the most valuable tool in a gm's (that doesnt use the jwesi pick vale chart) tool chest. Its never made sense to me that picks in a suspect draft class have escalating value this time of year.

Id love to agree with much of what you said, except. Kwesi already traded away the 2025 draft. So theres that. And, if you dont sign Darnold, dont keep McCarthy. Your left with Nuck Mullins & Brett Rypien as the #1 & #2 on the depth chart. On top of that. Stafford is under contract with the rams for 2025 & '26. Meaning you likely have to trade for him. Or if he's cut. Enter a bidding war.

Kwesi handcuffed the vikings via poor drafting & draft pick giveaways. It is what it is. We can only hope kwesi doesnt give up the '26 draft this year with more mensa draft value chart trades, only to draft more andy booth/lois cine types.

They made their move, now they have to live with JJ Mac. Sink or swim. Use their FA cash to improve the Iol. Their 1st rounder on either a cb or guard. Maybe find a contributor with their trio of 5th round picks.

Back in october I Urged strongly to extend Darnold. For the very reason you describe above. To have right now, a sweet trade chip in their tool bag.

They didnt do it & now kwesi has one of those nylon bag pocket tool kits from the dollar store with which to build the 2025 roster.

I think gumps mother is mensas granny-
"Stupid is as stupid does".

The good news is- once again they'll be picked to do nothing. They seem to play best when overlooked.