Report: Vikings’ Puzzle Piece Player Going to Twin Cities for a Visit
Most think that the Vikings’ puzzle piece hasn’t yet to arrived, at least in terms of the WR3 job. Maybe that’s about to get addressed.
Consider what ESPN’s Adam Schefter had to say: “49ers free-agent wide receiver Jauan Jennings is visiting tonight and Wednesday with the Minnesota Vikings, per source.” Nothing is certain in the NFL until things are certain. At the very least, there’s mutual interest.
The Vikings’ Puzzle Piece: Jennings for WR3
Put simply, the Vikings weren’t good enough last season.
Most prominently, the quarterback position wasn’t very good. J.J. McCarthy experienced more than his fair share of issues acclimating to the NFL. Much of his problem was injury. So, too, did he struggle to live up to his abilities at different points. Not lacking in talent, McCarthy too often struggled to turn talent into strong play.
The pivot in recent months has been to bring Kyler Murray to the Twin Cities. Likewise, Carson Wentz got brought back. Alongside Max Brosmer, Murray, McCarthy, and Wentz are venturing into a pivotal season. More disappointment is likely going to lead to some major subtractions.
Minnesota’s passing attack is rallying around Murray and McCarthy for the starting gig. Some think that the competition is settled, but that’s not the case. McCarthy, the No. 10 selection in 2024, is still the preferred option but he’s no longer the assumed option. August is going to be intense as the competition unfolds.
Whoever wins the job is going to get a ton of support by way of great options to target.
At the top of the receiver position are Justin Jefferson alongside Jordan Addison. The vast majority of NFL teams see those two and feel envy. Very few, if any at all, can match their abilities (Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins come to mind). Furthermore, there’s a broader array of skill, such as T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Jordan Mason, and Aaron Jones. All good ball players.
Where Jauan Jennings could get tossed into the mix is as a very good WR3. He boasts great size and can be difficult to corral. Almost certainly, Jennings would be better than in-house options such as Tai Felton, Myles Price, Jeshaun Jones, and the various other young fellas.
Jauan Jennings most recently played under a two-year deal for a total compensation commitment coming in below $12 million. Normal workplaces see $12 million across a pair of years as fabulous wealth. Not so within the world of receiver deals in the NFL. Jennings is worth a decent bit more.
His issue at this stage is that he’s functioning within the third wave of free agency. Already, teams have spent a ton of money. The Vikings are among them, operating with roughly $16 million in open room. Do note, though, that the projection doesn’t include the draftees as being under contract. So, the actual open space at the present moment is closer to $10 million.
Note: June will involve a cap space infusion due to the Jonathan Allen and Harrison Smith decisions.
One option involves Vikings pushing the compensation close to $10 million. Maybe they do so in the same way that they attacked the Sam Darnold deal, a 2024 contract for $10 million that chopped the cap hit in half via void years (paying $5 million on the cap in 2024 and then $5 million in 2025).
Or, perhaps, the compensation won’t be too beefy. Jennings could be moving toward a prove-it deal. If so, then the Vikings’ puzzle piece player could be had for modest money.
Mr. Jennings is 6’3″ and 212 pounds. He’ll turn 29 in July and would complete the arsenal of weapons in the Twin Cities.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
