Dec 11, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Noah Brown (85) reacts during the game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports.
The Minnesota Vikings began their offseason 7.5 weeks ago after losing at Ford Field to the Detroit Lions in Week 18. The club ended 2023 with a 7-10 record, never able to fully bounce back from quarterback Kirk Cousins’ Week 8 Achilles tear. As a result, Minnesota holds the 11th overall pick in April’s draft.
The Vikings have several roster needs this offseason, hoping to complete their “competitive rebuild” phase enacted two years ago. Unless the franchise promotes from within, WR3 should be on the list.
Consider these five receivers reasonable targets for Minnesota in free agency. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = best and most realistic option).
Age: 28
Previous Team: Houston Texans
Brown fired up 567 receiving yards on 33 catches — in 10 games. That’s wonderful production for a man who played 59% of the time. If he’s not re-signed in Houston, he’ll want a WR3 gig elsewhere, and the Vikings have that particular job available.
Whether receiving passes from Kirk Cousins, a rookie, or someone else, Brown could really work in purple.
Age: 25
Previous Team: New Orleans Saints
An All-Pro and Pro Bowl punt returner on top of it all, Shaheed’s speed and gadget-style skillset would fit wonderfully in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, especially with T.J. Hockenson presumably on tap to miss some of 2024. Rasheed tabulated 719 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns last season, a perfect statline for a WR3. And he’ll be affordable in free agency.
He’d fit well in Minnesota’s aerial attack and should cost about $2-$4 million per season.
Age: 29
Previous Team: Detroit Lions
Reynolds crossed paths with Kevin O’Connell for a season in Los Angeles, the 2020 campaign. He recorded a respectable, WR3-caliber year in Detroit last season, tallying 608 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.
That’s a K.J. Osborn statline, and because of the tie to O’Connell, Reynolds could be gettable for the Vikings at an affordable fee. He’s a solid veteran WR3 option.
Age: 26
Previous Team: Chicago Bears
Mooney tabulated a monster year by his standards in 2021, catching 81 passes for 1,055 yards. That was Justin Fields’ rookie season, and since then, Mooney’s production has dropped. It isn’t supposed to happen that way.
He’s unlikely to return with the Bears, and although his free-agent price could be one of the more expensive on the list, he might be worth a look in March.
Age: 29
Previous Team: Cincinnati Bengals
Before Ja’Marr Chase arrived in 2021, Boyd became an outstanding WR2, responsible for back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons in 2018 and 2019. His target share tapered off when Chase took over the Bengals, but Boyd can thrive somewhere for a couple more years as a WR3.
He’s the best WR3 option for Minnesota because he’s the most experienced while balancing an economical pricetag. Minnesota should be able to sign him for two years + $16 million, for example.
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.