The Vikings lost quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason, but much of their pass-catching corps remains intact. Wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are on the books, as is tight end T.J. Hockenson. 
[RELATED: Justin Jefferson Seeking NFL’s Largest Non-QB Deal?]
Among Minnesota’s free agent losses was receiver K.J. Osborn, though. He proved to be a consistent secondary option in the team’s passing game from 2021-23, amassing 15 touchdowns during that span. The former fifth-rounder signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in March, leaving the Vikings in need of a new WR3.
The team signed Trent Sherfield to a modest deal, giving the journeyman an opportunity to carve out a role. Sherfield’s best season came in 2022 with the Dolphins (30-417-2), and he has started only 10 of 95 games in his career. Minnesota has other options to operate as a third receiver, such as Brandon Powell, N’Keal Harry and Jalen Nailor.
No member of that group has a track record of success as a starter, though, which has led to questions regarding the Vikings’ depth plans at receiver. On that point, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert writes Minnesota does not appear to be interested in making a free agent move. Jefferson and Addison are positioned to once again command a large target share in 2024, and Hockenson proved to be an effective pickup during his first full Vikings season until it was cut short by a major knee injury.
Several veteran wideouts are still on the market. The likes of Michael Thomas, Mecole Hardman and Hunter Renfrow remain unsigned, and none of them will likely be expensive additions at this point in the offseason. With roughly $16.5MM in cap space, the Vikings can afford to make an addition at the position, particularly if it is one aimed at providing experienced depth in head coach Kevin O’Connell‘s three-receiver scheme. At this point, however, it may come as a surprise if the team prioritized a signing.
Oh snap I forgot hardman and renfrow are still available
Maybe they’ve seen enough of Brandon Powell to give him a shot at #3?
A WR signing would only add emphasis to the mistake the Vikings made by dumping Adam Thielen. They thought he little left in the tank but he sure proved them wrong in Carolina.