A New WR Option Emerges for the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are in the market for a new third wideout, as Jalen Nailor departed in free agency. Jauan Jennings, a free agent formerly of the San Francisco 49ers, appears to be the club’s first choice.
However, a former teammate of his might be an even better fit.
PFF’s Bradley Locker listed the ideal landing spot for the top ten free agents still available, and he sent Jennings to the Las Vegas Raiders, which would pair him with Nailor and Kirk Cousins.
For the Vikings, he envisions an aging weapon in Deebo Samuel.
“The Vikings put an emphasis on retooling their impressive defense in the draft,” Locker introduced his idea, “grabbing Caleb Banks, Jake Golday and Domonique Orange with their first three picks. However, Minnesota could use more at receiver after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders.”
Indeed, the draft favored the defense with the first three picks and four of the five top-100 picks. Minnesota’s draft haul doesn’t include a pass-catcher.
Locker added, “Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a step back over the last two campaigns, but he still finished 2025 with a 70.3 PFF receiving grade and 1.66 yards per route run. Further, Samuel’s 6.5 yards after the catch per reception was fourth among wideouts with 95 or more targets.”
Samuel has been an outstanding after-the-catch player in the NFL, something the Vikings have lacked in recent years. Sure, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison can run with the ball in their hands, but they are far too valuable down the field. Samuel, meanwhile, excels in the short passing game. That could be attractive for the Vikings, especially with Kyler Murray under center, whose short passing rate has been off the charts.
“Next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Samuel could help fill Nailor’s void in the slot while infusing more juice after the catch and overall creativity for Kevin O’Connell,” Locker concluded.
At 30, Samuel is no longer the elite weapon he once was when he starred as a wide receiver and part-time running back under Kyle Shanahan. Still, he caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns in an inconsistent Commanders offense last season. He added another 75 yards and another score on the ground.
His asking price could be a challenge for the Vikings, though. While his athleticism has declined, he might still view himself as a WR2 in the league and the Vikings wouldn’t offer a groundbreaking salary for someone who’d be third in their WR hierarchy. The Jennings sweepstakes might present a comparable problem.
Jennings, who’s coming off a productive season with the 49ers, visited the purple squad last week. He could sign at any point, but left without a deal, perhaps to check in with some other teams. The Vikings are rumored to have offered a one-year contract, while he’s likely chasing a longer one. It remains to be seen if he’s getting that from another franchise.
Justin Jefferson returns as the unquestioned top guy with Jordan Addison back for a fourth season as his sidekick. With Nailor out, sophomore Tai Felton rises to the third spot on the depth chart. Last year’s third-rounder secured a whopping three passes in his rookie season, primarily starring on special teams.
A jump from him can’t be ruled out. This decade alone, the Vikings have seen depth players rise to the occasion with K.J. Osborn and Jalen Nailor both snatching WR3 roles just one season after barely producing.
Ultimately, the Vikings’ decision may come down to balancing fit, cost, and role. Samuel brings a unique skill set that could add a new dimension to the offense, particularly in the short passing game and after the catch. But with his age and expected price tag, there’s a fair question of how much value he would truly provide in a WR3 role.
Jennings, meanwhile, offers a more traditional fit with scheme familiarity and reliability, but comes with his own contract expectations. Either way, Minnesota’s approach suggests they’re looking for more than just depth; they want a player who can meaningfully complement Jefferson and Addison.
Whether that ends up being a proven veteran or an internal breakout, the Vikings still have a decision to make and the answer could shape how dynamic this offense becomes in 2026.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.