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Vikings Have a Real WR3 Question to Solve
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- Vikings Have a Real WR3 Question to Solve
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It’s draft day on Thursday, and as fans are excited, coaches and general managers are continuing to grind while prospects try to make a good impression on every team.
Last year, the Minnesota Vikings had a very active free agency. This year, they did not, which was not unexpected given that the salary cap situation was much different. There are still some questions about the roster that remain unanswered, including the No. 3 wide receiver position.
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Who will that person be after Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison?
The Candidates Are Lining Up for Minnesota’s WR3 Role
Jalen Nailor left and signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Tai Felton was drafted last year. Could he make a big jump and be the third wideout? Will it be a rookie? Will it be a free agent signing?
There are still some receivers left on the market, including Keenan Allen, Tyreek Hill, Jauan Jennings, and Deebo Samuel. DeAndre Hopkins is also available and has expressed interest in being reunited with Kyler Murray.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Hopkins is no longer anywhere near the player he once was, but would still be a good third or fourth wide receiver. He would also be a good mentor to the current receivers and the rookie(s). After June 1st, Minnesota will have an additional $11 million to spend due to Jonathan Allen’s release.
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Allen, Hill, Jennings, and Samuel’s asking prices could very well start to come down, but could they all still be out of the price range that Minnesota may want to offer? Would those three also be okay with being No. 3?
Another option could be drafting Kenyon Sadiq . Yes, he is a tight end, but he could also technically be the third wideout. He has very good speed and would be another weapon in the passing game. T.J. Hockenson is also on the decline and likely is in his final year with the team.
Minnesota could draft a wide receiver in the third round or later. Even if they draft Sadiq and a wide receiver, they should sign a receiver as well. Allen should be the one they consider most. Given that he will be 34 years old at the start of the season, he should not be very costly. If he is fine with not being the second- or even third-wide receiver option, he would be a very good fit.
Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Last season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he appeared in all 17 games – catching 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns. He also spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, so he has some familiarity with the NFC North.
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Hill, Jennings, and Samuel would also be very good options, but once again, it will depend on the price tag and whether they are okay with not being the second-receiving option. Possibly even less than that if they draft Sadiq and he has a very good year.
Hopkins could very likely be the one to sign with Minnesota, given that, at this point in his career, he does not need many targets and has already publicly stated he would like to be on the team.
Sep 18, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) stands pin the sidelines during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Regardless of who they draft and/or sign, this offense should be pretty good with Murray and key players returning in 2026. Even adding just one decent player in the passing game could really do wonders for them.
The wait is almost over. We know very soon who will be added to the roster, not only by the end of the week but also a month later.
