Vikings and Browns Jockey for a Chance to Draft and Sign Miami Quarterback Kosar

The Minnesota Vikings sent their top two choices in the 1985 NFL draft to the Houston Oilers Tuesday for a chance to select quarterback Bernie Kosar--but it may have been for naught.

The Vikings set themselves up to sign the University of Miami quarterback who, although he has decided to leave the Hurricanes, has not officially declared to enter the 1985 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 30.

That strategy may allow him to sign with the Cleveland Browns, the club which he has said he prefers.

NFL spokesman Joe Browne said in New York: “If we do not get a letter by April 15, Bernie Kosar would not be eligible for the April 30 draft. Then if he lets us know at a later date he does want to play in 1985, we would hold a supplemental draft with Kosar and other players who fit into that category.”

Cleveland moved into position Tuesday to draft Kosar in the supplemental draft by giving Buffalo future considerations for the No. 1 selection in that draft, which has yet to be approved by the NFL.

Vikings spokesman Merrill Swanson said: “Cleveland has absolutely no right to negotiate with him. We do as the next team up (in the NFL draft). Our intent is to approach him and offer the best contract we can.”

The Vikings acquired the NFL draft’s No. 2 overall choice in Tuesday’s deal. Buffalo has already signed defensive lineman Bruce Smith of Virginia Tech with the league’s first overall selection.

Minnesota surrendered its first- and second-round picks for the right to select Kosar, who led the Hurricanes to the national championship two seasons ago. The Vikings were to pick third in the first round.