Another WR Trade Option Lands on Vikings Radar
The Minnesota Vikings’ trade rumor mill erupted this week.
Another wide receiver trade option has emerged for the Vikings, giving the team a fresh idea to strengthen its roster before the regular season.
The club has experienced wide receiver turmoil in recent weeks, so much so that the club might be forced to trade for a pass-catcher before the start of the regular season, which is 19 days away.
And thanks to CBS Sports, Alec Pierce, an Indianapolis Colts wide receiver, entered the chat on Wednesday.
The Vikings Need an Extra WR, and Alec Pierce Could Be the Guy
Minnesota has plenty of draft picks to move via trade, if needed.
Colts WR Alec Pierce Lands in Vikings’ Trade Rumor Mill
With Minnesota freshly dancing into the NFL’s trade rumor mill, plenty of theories took off this week.
Pierce is a new option. CBS Sports‘ Cody Benjamin linked Pierce to Minnesota this week: “The Indianapolis Colts might be inclined to keep all their wideouts after naming Daniel Jones their 2025 starter under center, seemingly favoring instant results over long-term development.”
“Alec Pierce, however, is entering a contract year, and the team has no shortage of other young options out wide, including Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs and Adonai Mitchell. His deep-ball tracking ability could help stretch the Vikings’ passing attack while raw prospects like Tai Felton come into their own.”
It’s not immediately clear why the Colts would offload Pierce, aside from his contract-year standing, but if he were available, he’d fit nicely in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Pierce’s Resume in Indianapolis
Pierce, 25, joined the NFL as a 2nd-Round draft choice in 2022. For the most part, he’s lived up to that draft stock. He ran a 4.41 forty leading up to the draft three years ago and even looks quicker than that on gameday.
Here’s his production resume since turning pro:
2022: 41 Receptions | 593 Rec Yards | 2 TDs
2023: 32 Receptions | 514 Rec Yards | 2 TDs
2024: 37 Receptions | 824 Rec Yards | 7 TDs
The Colts have sponsored Pierce’s NFL career with pretty brutal quarterback instability, so the working theory suggests he could detonate in a stable offense.
Trade Interest Is Real
NFL.com’s Kevin Patra wrote Wednesday, “The Vikings are in the market for wide receiver help. Minnesota is seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Wednesday morning, per sources. Nothing is imminent, added Pelissero, but the Vikes are actively searching.”
That blurb confirmed what Minnesota fans had thought for about two weeks: the teams need juice at wide receiver.
Vikings’ WR Need Hits Fever Pitch
Minnesota’s blossoming need at wide receiver has smacked them in the face repeatedly as of late.
Justin Jefferson didn’t partake in training camp with a bum hamstring, though he’s expected to be ready for the regular season. Jordan Addison is suspended for three games. Jalen Nailor injured his hand last week, with no definite timetable to return. Tai Felton tweaked something at Wednesday’s practice. And Rondale Moore was lost for the season in the first preseason game.
The club has reiterated that it enjoys its current WR depth, but so many injuries and suspensions might force general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s hand, which appears to be in motion.
More WR Alternatives
Benjamin mentioned other wide receivers for Minnesota, too.
On Adam Thielen, he noted: “The most popular subject of recent trade rumors involving the Vikings, Adam Thielen is still a fan favorite in Minnesota thanks to his accomplished 10-year run as a home-state underdog story. Durability is a concern at age 35, fresh off a 2024 season in which Thielen missed seven games due to injury.”
“When healthy, however, he remains a surehanded route-runner, as evidenced by a 103-catch debut with the Carolina Panthers. Would he be willing to accept a No. 3 role if/when Addison returns opposite Jefferson?”
And for a Jauan Jennings deal: “San Francisco isn’t really in a position to be dealing wide receiver talent, given the 49ers are still without a rehabbing Brandon Aiyuk. But Jauan Jennings isn’t satisfied with his current contract, so it’s not out of the question he’ll be shopped. Minnesota can afford to sweeten his deal before a scheduled 2026 free agency.”
“Stylistically, he’d offer head coach Kevin O’Connell more in the way of multipurpose work and blocking support, which fits Minnesota’s apparent plans to beef up the ground game in 2025.”
Minnesota has about $26 million in cap space this year, plenty of freedom to wheel and deal. It’s also worth noting that Adofo-Mensah has fired off at least one trade per summer since arriving in the Twin Cities. None has transpired to date.
The final preaseason games is two days away, and Minnesota will shave its roster from 91 players to 53 on August 26th.
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