Familiar Free-Agent Idea Makes a Comeback for Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings have been quite active in free agency. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah used his third offseason to add talent to the defense, especially pass-rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, who are asked to be difference-makers. Blake Cashman has been an underrated addition. The Minnesota native experienced his breakout season in Houston’s 2023 defense and the Vikings hope for continued growth.
Familiar Free-Agent Idea Makes a Comeback for Vikings
On offense, two major names have been added to the team: Aaron Jones and Sam Darnold. The latter is expected to be the signal-caller in Week 1 until rookie J.J. McCarthy is ready. Jones joined from the rival Packers, who had released their running back after seven seasons, and head coach Kevin O’Connell hopes he can fix the underwhelming rushing attack.
The 29-year-old joins an offensive skill position group that already includes Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson (once recovered from his knee injury). Behind the top receiving duo, however, the Vikings lack an established WR3. According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, that player should be former Raiders slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, who’s still available.
Brandon Powell had an average receiving DVOA on 44 targets in 2023, but his 324 receiving yards represented a career high after six years in the league. There are a lot of inexperienced players after him on the depth chart, plus veteran Trent Sherfield, who had just 11 catches in Buffalo last season. Minnesota could use a veteran slot receiver who knows how to get open underneath while Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are stretching defenses. Randall Cobb would be another possibility, although he turns 34 in August.
Aaron Schatz
As most players have already been signed, Renfrow might be the top WR option in the remaining free-agency pool. His name has appeared in Minnesota’s rumor mill multiple times. In five seasons in the NFL, the former Clemson wideout caught 269 passes for 2,884 yards and 17 scores. His best campaign came in 2021 when he eclipsed 100 catches (103) and 1,000 yards (1,038). He also registered nine of his 17 touchdowns.
When Josh McDaniels was appointed to be the franchise’s head coach, folks envisioned him to heavily use the slot receiver like he used to feature Wes Welker and Julian Edelman in New England, but Renfrow’s numbers dipped to only 330 and 255 yards in the last two seasons.
At age 28, the receiver should still be a reliable option in the middle of the field, an area that could use another weapon until Hockenson returns. New Patriots receiver K.J. Osborn handled most of the slot duties in recent years.
If the Vikings decided they didn’t need another wideout, there would be a fascinating competition behind Jefferson and Addison. Brandon Powell emerged as a solid weapon in 2023, and Joshua Dobbs loved his presence. He collected career numbers across the board but might be better suited to be a WR4 rather than the third option.
Trent Sherfield was signed in free agency, though he only topped 100 receiving yards once in the last five seasons. Jalen Nailor showed immense promise in his first campaign in 2022, but injuries have slowed him down. He must stay healthy to earn a larger role.
Longtime practice squad player Trishton Jackson, last year’s undrafted rookies Malik Knowles and Thayer Thomas, and 2024 UDFAs Ty James and Jeshaun Jones have outside chances to clinch a significant role in the wideout room.
An NFL team can never have too many receivers, and Renfrow would certainly be an upgrade. The Vikings have the cap space to acquire him, and his asking price might be lowered after spending three months in free agency.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt