Vikings Work Out XFL Offensive Player of the Year
The Vikings organized team activities are ongoing, and some players are already making headlines. Wide receiver Jalen Nailor made some splashy plays and could surprise some, just like cornerback Joejuan Williams, who is getting reps with the first team over some favored players.
Vikings Work Out XFL Offensive Player of the Year
Just a week ago, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah signed wide receiver Lucky Jackson to the roster, who was among the top five receiving leaders in the XFL. It is a league that is supposed to give young players a second chance, and it seems to work. Jackson, an undrafted player, made a 90-man roster after good performances in the XFL.
Minnesota hosted Jackson’s former teammate, Jordan Ta’amu, to a workout with the team.
The 25-year-old was the Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 and led the USFL in passing yards and touchdowns in 2022. The former Ole Miss QB went undrafted in the 2019 draft and became a journeyman in the league.
He had short stints with the Texans, Lions, Chiefs, Commanders, and Panthers but has never thrown a pass in the NFL. During his time in Washington, Ta’amu learned from former Vikings quarterback Taylor Heinicke, who also went the XFL path, received another chance in the NFL, and started 24 games in the last couple of seasons.
In ten games in 2023, Ta’amu recorded 14 passing touchdowns and only 3 interceptions. He also added 3 rushing scores for the DC Defenders and led the team to a 9-1 record and a trip to the XFL title game.
In his two-year career at Ole Miss, Ta’amu passed for 5,600 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The capable runner rushed for 507 yards and 10 touchdowns. He transferred there after spending his first two seasons of eligibility at New Mexico Military Institute.
Minnesota employs starter Kirk Cousins who is the unquestioned top guy. However, he is entering the final year of his contract, and the Vikes need to figure out a succession plan.
Jaren Hall was drafted in the fifth round. He needs some time to develop and the tutelage of head coach Kevin O’Connell. Nick Mullens was acquired via trade during last year’s preseason and has been the backup since. He has starting experience in the NFL.
Ta’amu now has to show enough talent to earn a roster spot, but he has to beat out at least one of the three QBs to make the team. If he makes the team, he should not be counted out in the race for the backup QB job.
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 Classic rock is his music genre of choice. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt
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