Free Agent Wide Receivers Worth a Look for the Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings likely won’t have the cap space to go big-game hunting at wide receiver in free agency, pretty much ruling out players like George Pickens. The franchise could, though, target a sensible WR3 if Jalen Nailor departs for a new team. Consider these five wideouts the common-sense options.
Minnesota’s WR shopping list depends on Jalen Nailor’s status, but the market offers some speed, depth, and upside.
If Nailor returns in 2026, this list will be moot, but his status is a mystery.
WR Free Agents Who Fit the Vikings for 2026
Ranked in order of realism, here’s who Minnesota could target at WR in free agency if Nailor walks.
5. Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed will command a fat contract next month, probably pricing himself out of the Vikings’ range. But in the off chance that Minnesota clears enough cap space to splurge, Shaheed would absolutely fit in the offensive plan, providing speed and playmaking that only Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison can currently provide in Minneapolis.
He’s only at the “bottom” of this list because he’s about to score a contract worth roughly $45 million over the next three years.
USA Today‘s Tyler Dragon on Shaheed: “Shaheed’s been a lightning rod for the Seahawks offense and special teams ever since Seattle acquired him at the trade deadline. He’s the only player in the NFL this season with both kick return and punt return touchdowns.”
“Known for his explosive speed, Shaheed’s 95-yard kick return touchdown ignited the Seahawks in their divisional round win over the San Francisco 49ers.”
4. Gabe Davis
Davis tore his ACL one month ago. That, of course, does not help his free agency — at all — but it will drive down his price. Some team will hand him a one-year deal to prove he’s back and healthy.
He fits the Vikings because he’ll be cheap and has WR3 tendencies. He’s also still just 26 years old. The only problem with Davis is his recovery timeline. He could be ready in September — or the recovery could bleed into October and November.
3. John Metchie
Metchie was a 2nd-Round pick by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft and has never panned out. No team has targeted him more than 50 times in a season, and his once-fancy scouting report has not translated to the NFL as most draft heads predicted.
There’s a world, however, where Metchie can reclaim his career if some team commits to him as a WR3. The Vikings could sign him to a prove-it deal and pair him with Tai Felton at training camp to determine the WR3 for the 2026 season.
Metchie is known for his route-running, and that could be just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota’s eventual QB1 selection.
2. Dyami Brown
Brown is just like Metchie: a 3rd-Rounder from the 2021 NFL Draft who looked promising a few years ago but has never had more than 300 yards in a season.
He’s a bit different than Metchie because, in his purest form, Brown is a home run hitter. He has 4.44 speed and can beat many defensive backs on the outside.
Just give Brown about 70 targets in 17 games, and he can thrive as a WR3. Like Davis and Metchie, Brown, too, will be affordable in free agency.
JagsWire‘s Paul Bretl on Brown: “When the Jaguars signed Brown to the offense, he immediately added another vertical presence to the offense with his speed. The Jaguars also thought he had the upside to attack other levels of the field and get the ball on designed touches out of the backfield.”
“However, as the season progressed, Brown’s role was reduced and eventually became nonexistent, with him even being a healthy scratch in some games. Brown was unable to carve out steady playing time, and he was eventually jumped on the depth chart by Tim Patrick. He finished the season catching 20 passes for 227 yards with a touchdown.”
1. Jahan Dotson
The Eagles leaned run-heavy, and when the ball went up in the air this season, Jalen Hurts didn’t consistently hit his usual efficiency marks. That environment didn’t do much for non-A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith wideouts like Dotson.
Dotson’s skill set fits better in a pass-forward offense, which is where Minnesota lives. If Nailor isn’t part of the 2026 plans, Kevin O “Connell would be wise to at least gauge Dotson’s market and see whether the price aligns with the role.
After all, the man was a 1st-Round talent four years ago. Youth is on his side. He also has 4.4 speed.
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