4 Wide Receivers the Vikings Should Consider Acquiring

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Kevin O'Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

There was always an expectation that Jordan Addison could be suspended. He decided to drink and drive just days after new teammate Khyree Jackson was killed by a drunk driver. After a year of pushing off the legal process, the Minnesota Vikings wide receiver submitted to a lesser “wet reckless” charge.

That may have somewhat saved him in the eye of the law, but did not get him any suspension discounts from Roger Goodell, after the league suspended him for the full three games, as is custom in the NFL for a first-time drunk driving affliction.

Wide Receivers the Minnesota Vikings should look to sign/trade for

Adam Thielen - Carolina Panthers Training Camp
Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Now, with Addison out to start the regular season and Justin Jefferson recovering from a “mild” hamstring strain to start MN Vikings training camp, it’s time for general manager Kwesi Adofo- Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell to consider alternative options that are not currently on roster. The list has some intriguing names, too.

Amari Cooper – 31 years old

Arguably the biggest splash on this list, Cooper would be an addition that sticks well beyond the time Addison misses. Last season he split time between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills while making $20 million.

He’s not that player anymore, but he’s just a year removed from a Pro Bowl selection with the Cleveland Browns. Cooper averaged a career-worst 39.1 yards per game and scored just four touchdowns. That said, he may be rejuvenated in an offense that should have plenty of juice.

The former fourth overall pick is at the end of his career, but he’d push Jalen Nailor down the depth chart and give new starter J.J. McCarthy another legitimate weapon. The Vikings have cap space, and there are worse ways to use it.

Adam Thielen – 34 years old

There’s no real indication that the Carolina Panthers want to trade veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen. This would be his third season with them after leaving the Vikings. Of course everyone loves a good reunion story.

Minnesota would likely need to overpay in terms of draft capital in order to bring back their former hometown hero. A sixth or seventh round pick probably doesn’t get it done if the Vikings are the team on the phone.

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Still, Carolina is not really in a position to compete and stockpiling future assets may be intriguing. Thielen played 10 games last year and scored five touchdowns with 615 receiving yards. His possession and route-running prowess would be a significant addition regardless of the way the rest of the depth chart shakes out.

Brandon Powell – 28 years old

If Adam Thielen is “one of us” then Brandon Powell previously has been one of us as well. The Minnesota Vikings brought Powell over after two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.

Kevin O’Connell’s familiarity with the secondary wideout translated into a niche role, and he continued to show purpose each of the past two seasons. While he operated in the return game, Powell also hauled in 36-of-54 passes thrown his way.

He’d be a less-than-exciting option, but could help to supplement Nailor’s role as a secondary wideout. Powell has more experience, and could potentially be pushed with a bit more opportunity.

Odell Beckham Jr. – 32 years old

While he is not the elder statesman of the group, Odell Beckham Jr. feels like he has been around forever. Last season he played in nine games with the Miami Dolphins, and it’s clear he is in the twilight of his career.

You aren’t going to get peak New York Giants superstar anymore, but there may still be a usable talent here that can bring some veteran experience. He’s doesn’t need to be the distraction he once was, and Beckham Jr. already has familiarity with O’Connell during their shared time in Los Angeles.

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It would be awesome if he could prop up Nailor and help develop Tai Felton and Silas Bolden. Beckham caught just nine passes last season, but there would be room for him to do that in the first three weeks of the season with Minnesota.

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