Vikings’ Perfect Fit WRs Hit Open Market

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K.J. Osborn
Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers have been playing a game of chicken for the past few days now. Kevin O’Connell needs more wide receiver help with both Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor unavailable to start the season.

Adam Thielen represents a near-perfect option to step in alongside Justin Jefferson. Not only does he know the offense, but he provides a safe floor once additional talent returns to the lineup.

Unfortunately neither side has budged yet and the talks remain up in the air. It’s possible, and maybe even logical, that the MN Vikings grab a pair of wideouts though. Enter K.J. Osborn.

K.J. Osborn released by Washington Commanders

Before Jalen Nailor took over as the Vikings third wideout, there was K.J. Osborn. A 5th round pick in 2020, Osborn spent the first four years of his career with Minnesota. The franchise allowed him to hit free agency and explore other options. Now back available, a reunion makes a ton of sense.

Osborn has played 67 career games, of which 59 have come for the Minnesota Vikings. And now, it’s very possible his 68th could be in purple as well. Two offseasons ago, Nailor needed more reps and more opportunities. Thus, there wasn’t a reason to pay Osborn market value.

So, the former Miami Hurricane hit the open market and ultimately signed with the New England Patriots. He didn’t last the season though, and latched on with Washington to end the year

Last season Osborn played in eight games, drawing four starts. He turned 48 receptions into 540 yards with 3 touchdowns. While not spectacular numbers, they are more than serviceable for what his former team needs.

Related: MN Vikings Make Shocking Cut on Defense

Last year, Nailor caught 28 passes for 414 yards and six touchdowns. He also contributed key drops and frustrating moments at integral times in multiple games.

There is no reason he should just be given the role, and his injury only complicates those matters. Which brings us to the other camp cut from Tuesday that makes almost too much sense to land in Minnesota

Robert Woods released by Houston Texans

Right after the Osborn cut was announced, Robert Woods was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now 33 years old, the former USC phenom has spent a lot of his NFL career in a Kevin O’Connell style offensive system.

That includes two of his five seasons in LA, where he played for KOC from 2020-2021, when O’Connell was Rams offensive coordinator under Sean McVay.

At his somewhat advanced age, Woods is no longer one of the fastest, shiftiest players in the league, which he most certainly was during his prime. Still, he would fit what the Minnesota Vikings need in 2025 extremely well.

Woods would come in with more knowledge of the offensive scheme than just about any available wide receiver not named Brandon Powell, KJ Osborn or Adam Thielen. Last year, Woods played in 15 games for the Houston Texans, mostly as a depth receiver/returner (where the Vikings also need help).

As a Texan in 2024, the former 2nd round pick out of USC totalled 20 receptions on 30 targets, for 203 receiving yards and 0 touchdowns. During his 12-year NFL career, Woods has played for four different teams, totalling 8,233 yards, 38 touchdowns and 12.1 Y/R.

Related: Rookie Punter Could Still Land Back with MN Vikings

Neither Osborn nor Woods are atop Minnesota’s list of potential wide receiver additions, while Addison serves his suspension. Despite their playbook and scheme familiarity, they no longer possess the NFL talent necessary to be Justin Jefferson’s temporary running mate, weeks 1-3,

Both wide receivers come in high up on the Vikings’ list of potential outside additions, just behind Osborn’s former teammate, Adam Thielen. Both he and Woods are worth a look, for sure. Either guy would push Nailor to earn playing time, especially when Addison returns week 4.

If Minnesota really wants to bolster the wide receiver room, and give young quarterback J.J. McCarthy options, then Osborn paired with someone else is the way to go. Minnesota must cut the active roster down to 53 players by 3pm CDT.

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