The Vikings May Need to Consider Adding More Juice to One Position
During the 2024 NFL Draft, we were left with a couple of surprises from the Minnesota Vikings.
One of those surprises was the fact that the Vikings decided not to take a shot on a wide receiver throughout the event. Of course, Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson are a very talented duo at the top of the depth chart, but the Vikings could still use some security with a strong WR3, particularly with T.J. Hockenson’s injury.
Here is a look at three players that the Vikings could target on the free agency market.
Tyler Boyd
If the Vikings want to target a proven player on the free agency market, Tyler Boyd stands out as the most reliable player left in terms of both production and health. After missing six games during the 2017 season, the veteran receiver has played at least 14 games for the Bengals in each of the past six years.
On top of that reliability, Boyd has been a very productive player. He has put together 600+ receiving yards in every season since 2018, including a pair of 1000-yard campaigns. His production has steadily taken a step back over the past few years, but that largely is due to the presences of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas is the opposite of a reliable receiver at this point in terms of his health, but at this point, perhaps he can be an option for at least the first few weeks before Hockenson comes back. The former New Orleans Saint has played just 20 games over the past four seasons, but even still, he has been rather productive when healthy.
During 2023, Thomas appeared in 10 games, and he caught 39 passes for 448 yards and a touchdown. It was the first time he played double-digit games since the 2019 season. The veteran receiver could still be somewhat expensive because of his potential when healthy.
Scotty Miller
Scotty Miller burst onto the scene in 2020 when Tom Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, putting together 33 receptions for 501 yards and three touchdowns. Since then, Miller has struggled to garner much of a role within an offense.
During 2023 with the Atlanta Falcons, Miller played 267 snaps on offense and totaled 11 receptions for 161 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The receiver is one of the younger options still available on the free agency market, and he likely would come very cheap if the Vikings decided to bring him aboard in 2024.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.