Sep 8, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; a Minnesota Vikings fan looks on during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports
The moment he snagged a game-winning touchdown pass out of the sky from Joshua Dobbs, Brandon Powell became revered by Minnesota Vikings fans.
Now, the popular wide receiver is back for another year.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis first reported on the X app, “The Vikings have agreed to terms with WR Brandon Powell on a one-year contract, a source says. Powell caught 29 passes last year for 324 yards and a key touchdown in ATL. Kevin O’Connell and coaching staff really liked having him.”
Minnesota’s main social media account(s) confirmed the reporting soon after.
Whether Powell is the team’s WR3 or WR4 is unclear, but that’s what spring and summer will determine. Minnesota appears on the cusp of allowing longtime WR3 K.J. Osborn to sign with another team. If that comes to fruition, it would need a new WR3. That could be Powell — or a different free agent. Kevin O’Connell’s team could also use the 2024 NFL Draft for a WR3, as this year’s class is unusually deep at the position, especially in the middle and later rounds.
Powell joined the Vikings last offseason as a free agent from O’Connell’s Los Angeles Rams days. He’s a tried-and-true playmaker who helped Minnesota knock off the Atlanta Falcons on the road in early November, thanks to the aforementioned game-winning touchdown.
Overall in 2023, he banked 29 receptions for 324 receiving yards and the famous paydirt. He was also the club’s punt returner last year, earning a trustworthy reputation for no fumbles and decent return production.
Powell also wasn’t afraid to pick fights with the Vikings’ rivals. In November, after a loss to the Chicago Bears, Powell teed off on Chicago. “Man, the Chicago Bears defensive backs is trash. That’s just simple. They were trash. We just hurt ourselves, that’s all,” Powell told Star Tribune after the Vikings loss.
For context on the current WR room, these players are currently under contract in Minnesota as of March 12th:
If the Vikings wanted an additional WR3 type from free agency, men like Michael Thomas, Odell Beckham, Curtis Samuel, and Tyler Boyd, among others, remain available on the open market.
Minnesota has re-signed these in-house free agents so far this offseason:
Powell will turn 29 around the start of the regular season.
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.