Speedy Viking Is Coming for a Bigger Role in 2026

Myles Price returns a kickoff for the Vikings against the Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (31) returns a kickoff against the New England Patriots during fourth-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium, Aug. 16, 2025, accelerating upfield with open space while showcasing his burst and vision as a dynamic special teams weapon pushing for a larger offensive role in the preseason. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

It felt like the Minnesota Vikings found a revelation in 2025 with return man Myles Price. But did you ever wonder why the speedster barely played on offense? Well, Price wants to change that.

Minnesota still needs WR depth, and Price has at least earned a longer look.

Needing more WR oomph in 2026, Minnesota may look in-house for reinforcements.

The Case for Expanding Price’s Offensive Workload

Why Price as a WR4, huh?

Myles Price celebrates during a Vikings preseason game against the Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings Myles Price
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (31) celebrates late in the game after contributing to a strong finish, showing energy and confidence in a preseason setting. Aug 9, 2025 captured the moment at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, where Price flashed his playmaking ability against the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

Price Clip Makes the Rounds on Social Media

Take this with a grain of salt because the footage came from a renowned aggregator, but Price has evidently been putting in the work this offseason to be a contributor on offense.

This video showed up on social media last week:

Of course, it takes much more than a single video clip to earn an enhanced role in an offense, but the clue is there nevertheless, suggesting that Price’s contribution as a pass-catcher could be elevated this summer. His desire is there.

The 2025 Rookie Performance

Price played 17 snaps on offense as a rookie, which averages to an even one per game. In short, it’s safe to say he was not used at all as an offensive playmaker, despite speed that kills.

As a returner, the guy turned into an undrafted gem for the 2025 Vikings. Price earned both punt and kick return duties during training camp and the preseason, carrying that momentum into the regular season. Although several impressive returns were called back due to penalties, his potential was clear. Minnesota may have found its return specialist for years to come.

Price also received one All-Pro vote, which no one envisioned at all during 2025 training camp. Best of all, they acquired him as an undrafted free agent. All told, he averaged 9.9 yards per punt return and 25.9 on each kickoff.

Vikings’ Need for WR Playmaking Talent

The Vikings have shown considerable interest in Day Two wide receiver prospects in the upcoming draft, a trend that often signals their intentions. Leading up to the draft, the Vikings have met with Antonio Williams (Clemson), Ted Hurst (Georgia State), and De’Zhaun Stribling (Ole Miss), pointing at a clear strategy to address the position.

The roster composition supports the theory. Jalen Nailor’s departure to Las Vegas in March left the WR3 position vacant, and while Tai Felton is another option, his limited playing time as a rookie last season creates uncertainty.

Considering head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive preferences, it would be surprising if Minnesota does not select a wide receiver by the end of Round 4 later this month.

Myles Price parties after a kickoff return during a Vikings game against the Steelers at Croke Park in Dublin. Vikings Myles Price
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Myles Price (4) reacts after a dynamic kickoff return, bringing life to the sideline during an international showcase. Sep 28, 2025 featured action at Croke Park in Dublin, where Price’s burst and vision stood out against the Steelers in front of an energized crowd. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

The wildcard here is Price, at least in theory. If his social media montage translates into regular season reality, well, the Vikings wouldn’t urgently need a WR3 or WR4. They have Felton and Price as in-house options.

Generally speaking, Price’s plan to achieve WR snaps is fantastic in spirit, but some guys are just better as returners.

The Viking Age‘s Nik Edlund noted on Price last month, “Myles Price is another pass catcher on Minnesota’s roster who could provide that depth. The undrafted rookie proved to be a dynamic punt returner who sparked the Vikings plenty of times in 2025 with his ability to bust off a long return. It’s a little surprising that Minnesota didn’t work him into the receiver rotation, but the poor quarterback play could’ve been a reason.”

“Price isn’t the biggest guy out there, standing just 5-foot-9 and weighing 183 pounds, but he’s quick, shifty, and much tougher than his frame would appear. He also has shown up when the lights are on him. He is someone who could battle to be that third option in the passing game, and the Vikings would be wise to see what he can bring to the table.”

The College Production and Scouting Report

At Texas Tech and Indiana, Price posted these numbers from 2020 to 2025:

2025: 38 Rec | 466 Yds | 3 TDs
2024: 43 Rec | 410 Yds | 5 TDs
2023: 51 Rec | 513 Yds | 2 TDs
2022: 38 Rec | 523 Yds | 2 TDs
2021: 29 Rec | 305 Yds | 1 TD

So, he was at least trusted a little bit in college as a pass-catcher, a decent omen.

Myles Price celebrates a touchdown for Indiana during a game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. Vikings Myles Price
Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Myles Price (4) celebrates in the end zone after a scoring play, highlighting his impact as a playmaker during a Big Ten matchup. Oct 19, 2024 showed the scene at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, where Price delivered a key touchdown against Nebraska in the second quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images.

Price said at his Pro Day before last year’s draft: “I put on a show and just did me. I know I made the play. Running great routes and catching the ball, that’s what I do for a living. I’m a smaller guy. I punt return, kick return, kickoff, whatever you want me to do. I can kick the ball if that’s what you want. That’s who I am. I can do everything. Whatever the task is, Myles Price can do it.”

The guy very obviously wants to be a factor on offense; maybe the Vikings will let it happen. He’s got the speed.


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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His debut thriller, The Motor Route , is out now. He ... More about Dustin Baker