The Minnesota Vikings will need an unsung hero to emerge this year for their third receiver slot on their depth chart for 2024.
Whether it is on the roster or a potential signing in free agency, a wide receiver, besides their main two, will have to step into a bigger role this upcoming season. Despite a few massive offensive changes, especially at quarterback with veteran Kirk Cousins signing with the Atlanta Falcons, the former seven-win team must keep up in a competitive NFC North.
With this much turnover for a young group, will a wide receiver on the roster step in and produce more than expected, or is a potential move in the works for another talented pass catcher?
Battle For Third Wide Receiver Spot Should Settle in Vikings Training Camp
There is a vacant spot for the Vikings on their depth chart, as 27-year-old K.J. Osborn signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots in free agency. He was the receiver three in Minnesota last season, as Justin Jefferson battled through injury most of the season and rookie Jordan Addison was the incumbent number two receiver.
While they do have some unproven options on the roster, any wide receiver will be used as an ancillary piece to their offense. The Vikings have tight end T.J. Hockenson coming off a season-ending injury last year. They added a new running back for 2024 veteran Aaron Jones to replace Alexander Mattison, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.
Potential Veteran Free Agent Options Still Available at Wide Receiver for the Vikings
Despite extending their megastar Jefferson, Minnesota has the cap space to sign a veteran pass catcher in free agency. The Vikings have the seventh most cap space in 2024 with about $27 million, according to Spotrac. Adding to a core with Addison also would give quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy or Sam Darnold enough receiver talent to work within a revamped offense.
The top three wide receivers, according to Spotrac, in free agency include Hunter Renfrow, Michael Thomas, and Russell Gage. All three specialize as inside receivers and offer unique qualities, even if they are exclusively playing in the slot. Thomas offers the biggest frame and experience at the position, while Renfrow isn’t the fastest but is an underrated route runner.
Wide Receiver Options on the Vikings Roster, will a former Role Player Step Up?
Currently, the wide receiver three for Minnesota is veteran speedster Brandon Powell, who will compete against other players on the roster. Head coach Kevin O’Connell had some praise but heeded some warning to the potential starter in a previous press conference from the Star Tribune stating this at voluntary practice:
“When he’s healthy and on the field, he shows up every single opportunity he’s gotten. That’s our challenge to him is sometimes things are out of your control and then we understand that, but for him to take that next step, we’re gonna need to see him out tfalconshere a lot as part of that group.”
Powell, who spent time with the Los Angeles Rams before signing with the Vikings in 2023, will be going against veteran free agent Trent Sherfield, who came over from the Buffalo Bills. Jalen Nailor, a third-year receiver and former sixth-rounder pick in 2022, had had a good offseason so far.
Minnesota’s position battles will interesting at various positions but especially at the receiver position this upcoming season.
About the Author
Previously wrote for Fansided NFL Mocks, Pro Football Network, uInterview and uSports, The Crafty Kit, The Daily Culture, and Ironiq Media. Recent Journalism/ Media Studies Grad and wrote for Impact News, the award-winning news publication of Mercy College, now Mercy University.
Now writing for Total Apex, mostly sports like the NFL, college football, the NFL draft, and fantasy football, along with covering my favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens. Also writing for Total Apex E&G about my favorite movies, shows, anime, and sometimes gaming.
You can follow me on Instagram @kimandrew1357, on YouTube @andrewkim1357, and on Twitter (aka X) @kookykim1357.
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