DeDe Westbrook is in Town and Likely to Sign with Vikings if Saturday Workout Goes Well

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot on their plate today, as they deal with the fallout of the NFL’s new vaccination policies for the 2021-22 season. But those internal battles won’t stop Rick Spielman from trying to upgrade their already potent wide receiver group. Former Jacksonville Jaguar, DeDe Westbrook, took to SnapChat and Instagram on Friday to announce that he was in town for a meeting at TCO Performance Center.

Westbrook’s posts have a sense of excitement, and for good reason. According to Adam Schefter, the 27-yr-old Cameron, TX native is in town expecting to leave with a signed contract. DeDe would be an incredible improvement to the Vikings WR3 role.

From free agent WR Dede Westbrook’s snapchat: pic.twitter.com/4hXPm8LTO6

— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) July 23, 2021

WR Dede Westbrook is in Minnesota 👀 #Vikings pic.twitter.com/9oIH1GJY8p

— Rick Sosa (@sosarick) July 23, 2021

The #Vikings are working out former #Jaguars speedy WR DeDe Westbrook tomorrow, source said, as Westbrook indicated on Instagram. He has three teams interested, but will likely sign in Minnesota if all goes well. The familiarity with former Jax WRs coach Keenan McCardell helps.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 23, 2021

More on Westbrook

DeDe Westbrook played mostly from the slot in 2018 and 2019, according to PFF, but only appeared in two games all of 2020, thanks to brutal knee injury he suffered vs the Chargers in week 2 (don’t watch the video). The injury came while returning a kickoff and that’s something he’s done plenty of throughout his career, which is something the Vikings also covet.

Before his injury, Westbrook was as steady as they come for a 3rd option slot receiver, who can also contribute heavily on special teams. He posted statlines in 2018 and 2019 that are so identical in some categories that you might think the below table is a mistake had you not read this sentence.

If the Vikings are getting a more seasoned version of that DeDe Westbrook, then this could be a very nice signing, should it happen.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan