REPORT: Vikings Have Interest in WR Andre Holmes

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Mar 14, 2016

Following the rumblings yesterday that the Vikings have shown interest in both Reuben Randle and Mike Wallace, today brought this nugget from ESPN’s Ben Goessling:

https://twitter.com/goesslingespn/status/709430982886232065

Of course, the tweet mentions the Raiders are trying hard to keep Holmes, and this note from veteran NFL reporter Bill Williamson seems to indicate they have the inside track:

Holmes is an interesting player. His production took a dive last season—after registering 47 catches for 693 yards in 2014, Holmes only managed 14 grabs for 201 yards in 2015 (albeit with 4 touchdowns). At first glance, this is a downward trend, especially considering Oakland’s offense went pass-heavy in 2015 and quarterback Derek Carr threw for nearly 4,000 yards. But, Holmes will likely come cheap—his 2015 salary was just $1.5 million—and he has the combination of size and speed (6’4″, 4.5 second 40-yard dash) many believe the Vikings need. For what it’s worth, Williamson still thinks he’s a good fit for the Raiders.

While the Vikings have been fairly active in the first days of free agency, wide receiver has been mostly omitted. The team lost a starter earlier this month when it cut Mike Wallace (though no one will rule out the possibility of a return at a lower salary), and has only added one receiver: CFL speedster Terrell Sinkfield. A player like Holmes would fit Rick Spielman’s early blueprint of adding competition without spending like crazy.

We’ll keep you posted as things develop.