Minnesota Vikings Receiver Targets

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Minnesota Vikings are “seriously exploring veteran receivers in the trade market.” It’s hardly a surprise as the Vikings have concerns at the position as the start of the regular season creeps closer. Justin Jefferson is returning from spending much of training camp nursing a hamstring injury. Jordan Addison is already ruled out of the first three games with a league suspension. Jalen Nailor’s status is a mystery as there’s a mystery surrounding the seriousness of last week’s hand injury. Rondale Moore was lost for the season to a knee injury in the first preseason game. Even if Jefferson and Nailor are fine for the opening Monday night game against the Chicago Bears, the Vikings have receiver concerns. That’s no way to start the season. 

So, what sort of receivers might the Vikings be targeting. I have serious doubts that they’d be seriously considering the receivers that currently top the trade market. That includes Terry McClaurin and Tyreek Hill. The Vikings exploration of veteran receivers is probably more focused on receivers located in the middle of team’s depth charts. So, here’s a look at some of the potential targets.

Jordan Whittington

Isaiah Hodgins

Jake Bobo

Hunter Renfro

Brandin Cooks

Trey Palmer

Curtis Samuel

KJ Hamler

Ja’Lynn Polk

Mitchell Tinsley

Ben Skowronek

Christian Kirk

Braxton Berrios

Alec Pierce

JuJu Smith-Schuster

I didn’t even bother to look at the NFC North teams. I doubt any of those teams would help out a division foe. 

I started with the Los Angeles Rams simply because of the Kevin O’Connell-Sean McVay connection. Right away, Jordan Whittington is a curious option. While he’s spent most of his career with the New York Giants, Isaiah Hodgins coming from the San Francisco 49ers is also intriguing. Maybe, I’m just having a flashback from the damage he caused the Vikings in the 2022 playoffs. 

They don’t qualify as “veteran receivers” but youngsters KJ Hamler and Ja’Lynn Polk grabbed my attention. The Vikings need immediate receiver help. While Hamler and Polk have long range potential, I’m not sure if either could step right into the lineup and help. Trey Palmer is another younger option that caught my eye. I liked him coming out of Nebraska.

If the Vikings are thinking Brandin Cooks or Hunter Renfro, they might as well bring back Adam Thielen.

Of all of the above, in my opinion, Jordan Whittington, Christian Kirk, and Alec Pierce are the best options. If the Vikings can pry Kirk or Pierce from the Texans or Colts, I’d be thrilled.