3.1 Free Agency
| On 8 years ago

REPORT: Vikings Have Interest in WR Andre Holmes

By Sam Neumann

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:

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.

Sam Neumann

Sam Neumann is a freelance writer and lifelong Vikings apologist. He has seen his share of Vikings-related heartbreak, but believes we are united by the hope that one day that norse ship will come in. Sam is the author of three books, including the New York Times Bestseller Memoirs of a Gas Station. He lives in Denver, Colorado, and has had it with Broncos fans. You can follow him on twitter @NeumSamN.

Tags: andre holmes ben goessling mik wallace Rick Spielman terrell sinkfield Vikings

View Comments

  • Holmes is a WR the Vikings signed as a UDRFA some yrs back correct? I assume if that is the case Slick Rick as some familiarity with him.

    • Yup, the Vikings were the first team to give him a shot but he didn't stick very long. He was very raw coming out.

      • Thanks for the reminder Dan and jw. Perhaps Minny was so hopeful for Cordarelle that they did not keep him? I sure like the pick up now, I hope that they can land him.

  • If the Raiders let him slip away, I'm 100% on board. All we need is a big receiver to go to in the red zone and 3rd downs. Holmes would provide that at a very affordable price. I also remember being impressed with his route running ability in training camp a few years ago. I wasn't surprised when he emerged in 2014