7 WRs the Vikings Can Put on Speed Dial
The Minnesota Vikings will not have Jordan Addison to start the 2025 regular season, as the prolific playmaker must serve a three-game suspension for a “wet reckless” driving infraction in California. Wideout Rondale Moore also injured his knee on Saturday in a win over the Houston Texans. His prognosis is grim.
The Vikings could still bolster their passing attack, and these seven wide receivers are realistic options they can call right now, with Jordan Addison on the shelf.
And because the other wide receivers not named Justin Jefferson did not totally set the world on fire at training camp, some Vikings fans have daydreamed about an extra wideout for the depth chart.
So, these are the aftermarket WR options, ranked in order of realism (No. 1 = most realistic to join the Vikings).
WR Options for the Vikings before the Regular Season
Here’s who the Vikings could explore at wide receiver.
7. Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham Jr. is old by now, 32. He might even be washed.
But he won a Super Bowl with Kevin O’Connell in 2021. If Minnesota wants a once productive wideout, especially in the short term with Addison suspended, Beckham Jr. could make some sense. He’d also sell quite a few jerseys.
Earlier this summer, CBS Sports‘ Cody Benjamin called the Pittsburgh Steelers a smart spot for Beckham Jr.’s last ride: “The Steelers have DK Metcalf as a legitimate No. 1 wideout for Rodgers, but all indications are they’re still exploring additional weaponry after dealing George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys.”
“Beckham may not be the standout he once was, but he’s also been on Rodgers’ radar for years; the Green Bay Packers reportedly tried to land Beckham to pair with A-Rod during the 2021 season, and Rodgers admitted later that he had interest in Beckham following him to the Jets ahead of the 2022 campaign. On a one-year deal, why not make the dream pairing happen now?”
6. Adam Thielen
Many want Minnesota to swing a deal for Thielen — bring him home for one final hurrah. The problem? The Carolina Panthers may not be selling. Trading for Thielen could be an October talker if Carolina’s season teeters on irrelevance.
There is a scenario, however, where Minnesota convinced Carolina’s brass to send Thielen back to sender to finish his career where it began.
5. John Metchie III
Here’s the Texans’ WR depth chart entering the preseason:
- Nico Collins
- Christian Kirk
- Jayden Higgins
- Tank Dell (IR)
- Jaylin Noel
- Justin Watson
- John Metchie III
- Xavier Hutchinson
- Braxton Berrios
- Quinton Cephus
- Daniel Jackson
- Xavier Johnson
There’s a world where Metchie III, a former 2nd-Rounder, gets dropped in 2.5 weeks, and some team pounces. Perhaps that will be the Vikings.
Athlon Sports‘ Connor Greene noted on Metchie last month, “Metchie’s heading into a contract year and is likely to be buried on the depth chart behind more established names. There is no question that the talent is there, but it might just not be the right fit in Houston. He could be a solid option for a team looking thin in the wideout department, such as the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, or Los Angeles Chargers.”
“The Texans made moves to bring in proven veterans this offseason, but it might be just as important to keep their interest on the future. Building around franchise cornerstone guys like C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. comes with stacking assets, and flipping Metchie for draft picks could be a smart step toward that long-term vision.”
4. A Patriots Cast-Off WR
The same arrangement — but for New England:
- Stefon Diggs
- DeMario Douglas
- Mack Hollins
- Kyle Williams
- Kendrick Bourne
- Kayshon Boutte
- Javon Baker
- Ja’Lynn Polk
- Efton Chism III
- Jeremiah Webb
- John Jiles
This would mean a player like Bourne, Boutte, Baker, or Polk should be attainable at the end of August after roster trimming. Why not the Vikings for one of those men?
3. Amari Cooper
Cooper can be signed today. Full stop. No team has taken the plunge for his services, and once upon a time, Cooper represented a Top 10 wide receiver in the pros.
Of course, Cooper is probably a WR3 type, and by the time Addison returns from his suspension, the Vikings may not need a target-needy WR3. But Cooper on the roster wouldn’t upset fans. He’s viewed in a positive light by most.
2. Tyler Boyd
Boyd is 30, and he logged 390 receiving yards on 57 targets last year with the Tennessee Titans. When targeted about 100 times, he can chip in around 600-700 yards.
The ex-Bengal is dependable and consistent, and if Minnesota wants an extra wideout for the WR4 spot, Boyd may be perfect.
1. Gabe Davis
Davis makes the cut at No. 1 because of his youth — he’s 26 — and his clutch gene. He’s the guy who frequently showed up in a big way in Buffalo Bills games against the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. Accordingly, he’s nicknamed “Big Game Gabe.”
The last time Davis played a full season — 2023 with the Bills — he banked 746 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
He’d also be phenomenal on the Vikings’ 2025 WR depth chart.
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