3 Free Agents the Vikings Can Still Sign for WR3 Void
Since K.J. Osborn’s emergence in 2021, the Vikings have had a solid third wideout on the roster besides Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen for two years and Jordan Addison in 2023. Although Osborn wasn’t quite as effective in 2023, the Vikings will still miss the departed receiver because they haven’t addressed the spot in free agency.
3 Free Agents the Vikings Can Still Sign for WR3 Void
Minnesota’s depth chart has Jefferson and Addison as the starters. Behind them, there are last year’s punt returner and reliable contributor when Jefferson missed time, Brandon Powell, 2022 rookie Jalen Nailor, who has struggled with injuries, former first-rounder N’Keal Harry, and free agent addition Trent Sherfield, in addition to some undrafted rookies and last year’s practice squad players. While one of the guys on this list could, in theory, turn into a solid WR3, signing someone with a higher pedigree certainly makes sense to elevate the offense even further.
D.J. Chark, Tyler Boyd, and Odell Beckham Jr. have found other homes, but some productive free agents still await a call.
Hunter Renfrow
The former Clemson receiver has never won with speed or size, but he is a wonderful route runner, and his good hands ensure production from the slot. In five seasons with the Raiders, Renfrow recorded 2,884 receiving yards and 17 scores. After back-to-back 600-yard seasons in 2019 and 2020, he eclipsed the 1,000 yards in 2021. Since then, his role has dipped.
With Jefferson and Addison dominating the outside, the 28-year-old could be a great complementary piece on the inside, especially with T.J. Hockenson possibly missing parts of the season. Renfrow could be the reliable short option next to the explosive deep threats.
Michael Thomas
Formerly with the New Orleans Saints, Michael Thomas used to be one of the elite receivers in the NFL, but his production has badly dropped. Injuries have been the dominating storyline for the ex-Ohio State playmaker.
Thomas led the league in receptions twice in his career and topped all players in receiving yards in 2019. After starting his career with four straight 1,000-yard campaigns, injuries limited him to only 20 games in the last four seasons.
The 31-year-old is a high-upside player who can play inside and outside if healthy. His health, however, is a big mystery, with various absences due to ankle, hamstring, and toe issues.
Zay Jones
The Vikings once employed Zay Jones’ brother Cayleb on the practice squad. Zay has been a solid wideout in the NFL for years. Last year, Jones recorded 274 yards in only eight games with the Jaguars, but he tabulated 823 yards and five scores in 2022.
Jacksonville released the receiver a few weeks ago in a surprise move because he was a go-to guy in his first season with the team. Before his stint in Florida, he was rostered by the Bills and Raiders, recording a total of just short of 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns in seven seasons.
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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