Unsigned Vikings WR Back in the Mix
The Minnesota Vikings did not welcome back wide receiver Brandon Powell this offseason, allowing him to hit open free agency, where he remains after 4.5 months.
Former Vikings wide receiver Brandon Powell has resurfaced this week, auditioning for the New York Giants’ roster, a signal he could be back in the NFL mix soon.
But that could all change.
Powell’s name is back in the NFL mix this week, working out for the New York Giants and perhaps parlaying the tryout into a contract in 2025.
Remember Brandon Powell? The Ex-Vikings WR Could Be a Giant.
The Giants could lock in a WR who lived on Minnesota’s roster in 2023 and 2024.
Brandon Powell Tries Out for Giants’ Roster
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweeted Monday, “The Giants worked out Ife Adeyi, Carter Bradley, Stanley Morgan, Gunner Olszewski, Brandon Powell.”
Before this week, the offseason had been absolute crickets for Powell — no reported nibbles, auditions, or offers. With any luck, at least for his sake, that could change this week or soon after.
A Four-Month Free Agency Drought
Fans weren’t quite sure if Powell would be back in purple and gold, but after a couple of weeks of free agency in March, the writing on the wall became apparent. Minnesota pursued speed, speed, and more speed this offseason at wide receiver and other spots, and at age 29 for Powell — turning 30 in September — Kevin O’Connell and Co. preferred younger alternatives.
But few expected Powell’s free agency to morph into a total drought. The man has been a consistent part of the NFL, especially as a punt returner, since 2018, when the Detroit Lions unearthed him from undrafted free agency.
Zone Coverage‘s Mason Klemm noted on Powell in May: “Brandon Powell has been Minnesota’s punt returner for two years but hasn’t done enough to secure the position. Powell’s 37 returns led the NFL in 2023, but his 7.8 yards per run-back ranked second to last among qualified returners (min. 22 returns). In 2024, he returned 23 of Minnesota’s 24 punts and averaged an even more woeful 7.1 yards, the worst among qualifiers.”
“The Vikings trusted Powell because he rarely makes mistakes in such a crucial role. But looking at Minnesota’s numbers on special teams (and the fact they haven’t re-signed Powell), it’s clear they want someone flashier returning kicks. Some wide receivers can fit the mold.”
The Giants’ WRs in July
If Powell gets an offer from the Giants, he’ll join this WR corps:
- Malik Nabers
- Darius Slayton
- Wan’Dale Robinson
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette
- Jalin Hyatt
- Beaux Collins
- Zach Pascal
- Dalen Cambre
- Lil’Jordan Humphrey
- Juice Wells Jr.
- Montrell Washington
- Gunner Olszewski
- Da’Quan Felton
- Jordan Bly
A full house. Former Vikings wideout Ihmir Smith-Marsette, listed around WR4 above, is currently slated to hold down punt-returning duties for the Giants in 2025.
Who Replaces Powell in Minnesota?
Meanwhile, the Vikings have a punt returner mystery of their own. Put plainly, nobody knows in July who will field punts in September.
These four players seem to be early training camp frontrunners for the PR job in the Twin Cities:
- Silas Bolden
- Tai Felton
- Rondale Moore
- Jalen Nailor
Steelers Evidently an Option?
Last month, Behind the Steel Curtain, a Pittsburgh Steelers-themed website, spitballed Powell as a free-agent option for Mike Tomlin’s team.
Ryland Bickley explained, “Signing Brandon Powell today would not noticeably change the Steelers wide receiver room in any way. But if the group gets banged up over the offseason, the former Vikings pass-catcher would fit in well.”
“Powell made this list because looking over his film revealed a player who has a lot of similarities to the receiver types the Steelers have added over the last few years. He’s an undersized (5’8, 181 pounds) pass-catcher who was asked to do a lot of dirty work in the Minnesota offense. His effort repeatedly stood out as a blocker even if he wasn’t always a difference-maker given his size.”
Vikings fans revered Powell for his punt-returning dependability. The man avoided major gaffes.
Bickley added, “In 2023, Powell logged a 29-catch, 324-yard season that showed he could be a contributor on offense — and 18 of those receptions went for first downs. His RAS testing out of college was rough, but he has a bit more juice as a route runner than expected in the pros. He also has 68 career combined punt and kick returns, showing some special teams versatility. Again, these are budget free agents — Powell won’t break the bank or any offensive records.”
“But if the Steelers go shopping for wide receiver depth this summer, you bet Arthur Smith will be interested in the undersized Z with solid hands, great effort in the run game, and some special teams ability.”
Powell could also make sense for the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, based on former coach ties.
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