There’s a New WR in Vikings Town
The Minnesota Vikings have eliminated most roster holes throughout the first week and change of free agency. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores got a pair of brand-new cornerbacks as well as two former Pro Bowl defensive linemen. On offense, Kevin O’Connell will be happy about his new running back duo and the improved offensive line.
There’s a New WR in Vikings Town
On Tuesday, head coach O’Connell also added a new wideout to his collection. Former Jaguars receiver Tim Jones was hired, the club announced via their official social media airwaves.
They wrote on their website, “The Vikings have added to their receivers room and special teams efforts via an agreement with Tim Jones that was announced Tuesday.”
That special teams nugget is quite important, and it surely has been a factor for the Vikings. Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels has also gotten Tavierre Thomas and Eric Wilson as new key contributors for his crew, and Jones will also help in that area.
Jones played college ball at Southern Miss and went undrafted in 2021. The Jaguars signed him following the draft, and he spent the majority of the season on the practice squad after failing to make the 53-man roster.
His NFL debut followed a year later. In fact, he has played in all 51 games over the last three seasons and even logged three starts. Jones caught 17 passes for 154 yards, showing that most of his value will come in the forgotten third phase.
Throughout his tenure with the Jaguars, about half of his snaps took place on special teams. He played 653 offensive snaps and 648 as a special teamer. Also on his resume are six tackles and a fumble recovery.
His way to making the roster is by establishing himself as a key special teamer while also providing at least some kind of worth as a depth receiver, just like he did in Jacksonville.
At this point, the Vikings employ seven receivers.
- Justin Jefferson
- Jordan Addison
- Jalen Nailor
- Tim Jones
- Lucky Jackson
- Jeshaun Jones
- Thayer Thomas
The top three are pretty much set in stone unless the Vikings acquire a big-name receiver in free agency or the draft, but there are some openings on the depth chart. Trent Sherfield (signed with Denver) and Brandon Powell (still available) left from last year’s unit.
For now, Jones is the most established receiver on the roster behind the starting trio, but teams usually enter training camp with 10-12 receivers, so more guys will be added to the room.
Jones will turn 27 in May.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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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