The Perfect WR Fix for Vikings Is Out There
The Minnesota Vikings may or may not be wide receiver shopping, with the team’s regular season exactly four weeks away.
A proven playmaker could be the perfect wide receiver fix for the Vikings after Rondale Moore’s injury. Here’s who they should target and why — a trade.
Most onlookers considered the WR section of the Vikings’ depth chart a strength as recently as one month ago, but after a few events, the franchise could stand to onboard an extra notable wideout.
And if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is in the mood to use a trade for the insurance-policy wide receiver, third-year Tampa Bay Buccaneers speedster Trey Palmer could check some boxes.
The Vikings Might Need Another WR, and the Buccaneers Have One
Minnesota should dip a toe in the Trey Palmer trade waters.
Trey Palmer Makes Sense for Vikings via Trade
From free agency, Minnesota could sign a player like Amari Cooper, Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, or Gabe Davis and call it good. Each of those players can be attained this very moment.
Meanwhile, although the NFL’s trade block is never an official place, Palmer could be on that, particularly if the rumor mill is accurate. Palmer may be expendable on the Buccaneers’ expansive WR depth chart, and in theory, Adofo-Mensah could send a 5th-Round draft pick (or so) to Tampa Bay for Palmer’s services.
Palmer would then enter the mix for Minnesota, probably manning a WR4 role somewhat immediately.
No Rondale Moore for Minnesota
Why does Minnesota need a wide receiver in the first place? It’s a bit complicated. At the top of the list, Rondale Moore injured his knee on Saturday during the first preseason game of 2025. He could be out for the entire season, and the man was lined up for punt returning duty this season, in addition to WR4 or WR5 duties.
No Moore in 2025 — presumably — brought the WR need to the forefront.
What’s more, Justin Jefferson has missed nearly all of training camp with a hamstring tweak. Jordan Addison won’t play in the first three weeks of the regular season after a suspension. Some fans don’t believe Jalen Nailor in the meantime. And rookie Tai Felton, like many first-year wideouts, could take time to adapt.
Emeka Egbuka in the House in TB
Why Palmer, though? Simple — Tampa Bay stunningly used a 1st-Round draft pick on WR Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State 3.5 months ago, a totally unexpected selection because onlookers thought the team was set at wide receiver, with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan headlining the enterprise.
In short, Palmer’s new demotion to WR5 risks wasting his skill set. He’s buried. In Minnesota, Palmer could be showcased as a WR3. The Buccaneers could enjoy a future late-round pick. Everybody wins.
Unless injuries rock the Buccaneers — like they did for Minnesota last weekend — Palmer won’t get many targets in Baker Mayfield’s offense.
Palmer’s Speed and Moore-Adjacent Skill Set
Palmer is 24 years old, ran a 4.36 forty two years ago, and returned punts for Tampa Bay last year. He’s basically Rondale Moore but on a different team.
The Buccaneers’ speed demon also has some kick returning versatility, so Minnesota could toss him at the spot on the roster if it sees fit.
Palmer is essentially Moore with 6th-Round draft stock, while the Arizona Cardinals drafted Moore in Round 2 some four years ago. Palmer and Moore could do the Spider-Man meme, and no one would balk.
It’s worth noting that Palmer is six inches taller than Moore at 6’1.”
More on Palmer
BucsReport‘s Alf Colmenar sized up the trade fodder surrounding Palmer earlier this summer, as well as mentioning the Pittsburgh Steelers as a landing spot.
He explained, “Trey Palmer is of interest to the Steelers, and the news isn’t too surprising to those of us who closely follow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster moves. The young receiver, known for his explosive speed and 39 receptions as a rookie in 2023, appears to have lost prominence in an increasingly competitive receiver room in Tampa.”
“With the continuity of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin assured, and the arrival of Emeka Egbuka (first round of the 2025 Draft) and Jalen McMillan (selected in 2024), Palmer’s room for maneuver on the final roster is increasingly narrow. Trey Palmer is of interest to the Steelers, but are the Bucs interested in getting rid of him? It’s an open question.”
Palmer doesn’t turn 25 until next offseason.
Colmenar continued, “In his second year, he was practically invisible and didn’t excel as a returner. But on a team where injuries can always disrupt the rotation, parting with a young, fast player can be a luxury. At GoBucs.es, we know Tampa values speed and versatility.”
“While Palmer hasn’t quite meshed with Baker Mayfield, it wouldn’t be unreasonable for him to find chemistry with another QB… or to resurface if he stays and fights for his spot in the preseason.”
The aforementioned Adofo-Mensah, too, is never shy about firing off trade to enhance his roster. He might even be overdue for one.
You must be logged in to post a comment.