The Vikings’ WR3 Spot Is Wide Open — 7 Possible Outcomes
Jalen Nailor filled the Minnesota Vikings’ WR3 in the last two seasons, but in free agency, the speedster could be on the move to a new team. Head coach Kevin O’Connell would need a replacement WR3, and this article examines the options.
Seven outcomes for Minnesota’s WR3 spot, from Nailor staying put to a trade swing, free-agent add, or a rookie pushing into the rotation.
Free agency is just over two weeks away, so the club will inch closer to announcing a WR3 verdict.
How the Vikings’ WR3 Competition Could Shake Out
Ranking the most probable outcome of the Vikings’ WR3 search (No. 1 = most likely WR3 in 2026).
7. Omar Cooper Jr. | Indiana
Cooper Jr., a national champion, ranks No. 42 on the current Consensus Big Board. If the Vikings know Nailor will vamoose and acknowledge that Jordan Addison’s future may be cloudy due to his off-the-field tomfoolery, perhaps Cooper Jr. will slide to Minnesota at pick No. 50 in Round 2.
6. Malachi Fields | Notre Dame
The same Nailor and Addison logic applies to Fields — also a rookie. He’d instantly be the Vikings’ tallest wide receiver in ages at 6’4.” And he lives at No. 49 on the aforementioned Consensus Big Board. It’s not a stretch to think Fields will be on the board when Minnesota walks to the podium on Friday, April 24th.
5. Jerry Jeudy | CLE (Trade)
Timing is crucial for Cleveland. Trading Jeudy after June 1 would simplify their cap situation, making a summer discussion more likely than a March transaction. Significant traction would likely occur once they have greater cap flexibility.
For Minnesota, the quarterback situation is the primary factor. While Jeudy’s performance in Cleveland was inconsistent, he played his best football with Jameis Winston, suggesting he thrives with an experienced and decisive quarterback. The Vikings should have clarity at the quarterback position by early summer. Furthermore, Nailor’s potential departure in free agency could create an opportunity for Jeudy, potentially adding a dynamic element to their offense.
Fans would be elated over an inexpensive Jeudy trade.
4. Jahan Dotson | PHI (Free Agency)
Dotson projects as a complementary receiver rather than a primary target, so Minnesota needs to determine how well he fits within O’Connell’s scheme and whether they are willing to invest accordingly.
Dotson’s opportunities in Philadelphia were limited. The Eagles’ run-heavy offense, combined with Jalen Hurts’ inconsistent passing, funneled targets to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, leaving few chances for secondary receivers like Dotson.
Minnesota’s passing-focused offense emphasizes timing, spacing, and receiver precision, all crucial elements in O’Connell’s system. If Nailor proves not to be a viable option in 2026, evaluating Dotson’s potential becomes wise, especially because his salary aligns with a WR3 or rotational role.
Despite being a former first-round pick four years prior, Dotson remains young and possesses impressive 4.4 speed. He still flashes the separation skills that made him a highly touted prospect. A more favorable environment could unlock greater consistency,
3. Christian Kirk | HOU (Free Agency)
In 2022, Kirk tallied 1,108 receiving yards with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s never quite reclaimed that flair. But he’ll be a free agent in March, and the Vikings can probably sign him for about $6 million per year. He has the upside to contribute more consistently than the next two men on the list.
At age 29, Kirk has a few more seasons to add value at a high level.
2. Jalen Nailor | MIN
Nailor’s future in Minnesota is all about price. Some NFL gurus insist his next contract will earn him $12 million annually. Others say he’s a $5 million per-year guy.
This one is simple: the cash-strapped Vikings can afford Nailor at $5 million. They cannot pull the trigger at $12 million.
If Nailor weighs his options and determines his market value is not seven figures, he’ll likely return to the team that drafted him in 2022. The WR3 solution in Minnesota will maintain continuity.
1. Tai Felton | MIN
Minnesota drafted Felton in Round 3 last year, a strange pick because former general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah “reached” for him, and then the Vikings only really used Felton as a special-teamer in his rookie season.
If one assumes that Felton is a normal 3rd-Round wideout, he should be on tap to actually play on offense in 2026. Assuming O’Connell had input on the Felton selection — hopefully he did — maybe the plan all along was to let Nailor walk in free agency and green-light Felton in his second season.
Due to the very recent 3rd-Round draft stock, Felton should be considered the frontrunner to play WR3 for the Vikings in 2026 — unless he’s yet another failed Adofo-Mensah draft pick.
The Maryland alumnus caught 3 passes for 25 yards as a rookie, a laughable return.
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