Vikings Reportedly “Seriously Exploring” Trade Options for Veteran Receivers
The Minnesota Vikings have some major questions at the wide receiver position.
It all started when Justin Jefferson went down with a hamstring injury early in training camp, which was quickly followed by Jordan Addison’s suspension, Rondale Moore’s season-ending knee injury, and now, Jalen Nailor’s questionable status following a wrist injury.
As a result, the latest buzz is that the Vikings could be in the market to trade for a veteran receiver heading into the 2025 regular season.
Could the Vikings Trade for a Receiver Before Week 1?
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network had the scoop, writing a post on X, “With Jordan Addison suspended and multiple injuries, the #Vikings are seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market, per sources. All-Pro Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is on track for Week 1. His early-season running mate may not be on the roster.”
It’s not all that surprising that the Vikings could be in the mix to make a trade before the season begins as Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is no stranger to making deals to bring in more depth towards the end of training camp.
The wide receiver need is a major one if the Vikings are going to compete in 2025 as well. If Jefferson is back, that takes some pressure off, but Nailor’s injury throws a major wrench into the operation as the Vikings could be looking to Tai Felton, Lucky Jackson, and/or Tim Jones as the WR2 if the 2022 sixth-round pick were to miss any time.
If the Vikings were to make a wide receiver trade, a couple options are out on the table. A popular theory is that Minnesota could bring back Adam Thielen to once again be a running mate for Jefferson as they were from 2020-2022.
Thielen, who turns 35 years old on Friday, was released by Minnesota following the 2022 campaign before signing with the Carolina Panthers. He immediately turned around and recorded a 100-reception season in 2023, but his numbers dipped quite a bit in 2024, totaling 48 receptions for 615 yards and five touchdowns.
Still, Thielen is a veteran who can be a safety blanket in an offense that needs as many of those as possible while first-year starter J.J. McCarthy learns the ropes at QB.
It ultimately remains to be seen what type of move, if any, the Vikings will make before the regular season begins.
The wide receiver room appears to be one the front office and coaching staff is keeping a close eye on though and will jump at the chance to upgrade if given the right opportunity.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.
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