Two WRs the Vikings Should Avoid in Free Agency
The Minnesota Vikings need to figure out an option at the WR3 position as K.J. Osborn hits free agency. His services are unlikely to be retained, and how they replace that production remains to be seen. If they are looking at the free agent market, they should avoid a couple of names.
Two WRs the Vikings Should Avoid in Free Agency
Internally, Brandon Powell represents the Vikings’ most likely option to take up the role, but his doing so is anything but a guarantee. Kevin O’Connell grabbed the former Los Angeles Rams wideout in an effort to solidify his offense. He showed a burst in multiple opportunities, but trying to expand his role could be asking a bit much. If the Vikings want to look at free agency, there are two big-name players they should avoid.
A couple of years ago, Odell Beckham Jr. looked like an ideal fit for Minnesota. That was before Justin Jefferson emerged as the best wide receiver in the NFL, and Jordan Addison was selected with a first-round pick. That duo is now fully entrenched as among the best tandems across the league, and disrupting it could be catastrophic.
While OBJ is no longer the elite frontrunner he was while younger, he has shown an ability to contribute since returning from his latest injury. This past year, he provided a solid security blanket for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Expecting him to do that in Minnesota isn’t far-fetched, but quarterback uncertainty makes it difficult.
Beckham Jr. certainly has a vocal personality, and having that come from a role player on your team is not something you want to see. If someone besides veteran Kirk Cousins is under center for the year ahead, imposing his will could be something even more prevalent. Knowing the overall role this person is expected to play, OBJ doesn’t seem to fit the bill.
Keeping with the theme of big-name players, the other to fall in this category would be Michael Thomas. Once the New Orleans Saints standout with Drew Brees, Thomas has been largely a non-factor in recent seasons. Plenty of drama follows him, but there’s an even greater inability to stay on the field. No player is worth acquiring to see them remain off the field (see Marcus Davenport), and Thomas brings such a huge question mark there.
When right with the Saints, Thomas was considered among the best players in the game. He runs great routes and has exceptional hands, but he hasn’t been right for quite some time. If the Vikings needed to gamble on finding a top wideout with a depressed value, then Thomas could make some sense. Asking him to be a WR3 and remain both quiet and productive is a path they don’t need to go down.
There is no denying that Minnesota needs more offensive weapons, especially while being without T.J. Hockenson to start 2024. That said, neither of these big-name free agents seems like a great fit.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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