Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) runs the ball ahead of Miami Dolphins long snapper Blake Ferguson (50) and cornerback Jomal Wiltz (33) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings don’t have too many roster needs this late in the offseason, but few would object if the club added another veteran wide receiver.
A productive WR3 would strengthen the depth chart, and that’s why Vikings fans have speculated a handful of options since last month’s draft. As the market dwindles, several free agents have flown off the board in the last two weeks. Yet, Hunter Renfrow remains, and he’s caught the attention of Vikings faithful — and now ESPN.
Bill Barnwell published an article this week outlining 10 moves that should be made around the NFL. Regarding Minnesota, Barnwell recommended Renfrow for Kevin O’Connell’s offense, a popular request among the masses.
“The Raiders unsurprisingly cut Renfrow after the season. I wouldn’t expect him to land much more than a one-year deal for just over the minimum at this point of free agency, but at that price tag, taking a flier on the 28-year-old seems like a reasoned move. He also returned punts during his time with Vegas, which helps if he’s going to be a fourth or fifth wideout on game day,” Barnwell explained about Renfrow’s free agency.
For now, the Vikings are on deck to showcase a summer camp battle at WR3 between Brandon Powell, Trent Sherfield, and Jalen Nailor. Eight more wideouts, too, will vie for roster spots after Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at the top of the ticket.
Barnwell then connected Minnesota to Renfrow: “What about the Vikings? They’re set atop the depth chart with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but K.J. Osborn joined the Patriots and top tight end T.J. Hockenson is coming off a torn ACL. The Vikings brought in Trent Sherfield this offseason and could expand Brandon Powell’s role, but Renfrow has a much more productive season in his recent past than either player has had at any point during their respective careers. Renfrow would probably be competing with Powell for the third wideout and punt returner role in Minnesota, a battle he could win if given the opportunity.”
Renfrow is still only 28 years old and should actually be considered in his physical prime. Minnesota should try him on for size, especially because tight end T.J. Hockenson — the team’s de facto WR3 — will likely miss the beginning of the season.
The man had 1,038 receiving yards in 2021, which wasn’t terribly long ago. The production has diminished since, but he has that volume gene in his DNA.
The WR market picked up within the last week, with Tyler Boyd to the Tennessee Titans, Chase Claypool to the Buffalo Bills, DJ Chark to the Los Angeles Chargers, and Odell Beckham Jr. to the Miami Dolphins. Allen Robinson also signed with the New York Giants, and Marques Valdez-Scantling became a Buffalo Bill on Tuesday. Zay Jones signed with the Arizona Cardinals last weekend.
Renfrow is the last best hope for those chanting for another Vikings WR option. Otherwise, these alternatives are:
There’s also the camp that suggests if Minnesota wanted another WR option, it would’ve signed someone by now or drafted one three weeks ago.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.