Latest Vikings News Could Connect Them with a Pro Bowl WR

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Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings entered the offseason knowing they’d have to find a short-term replacement for Jordan Addison‘s inevitable suspension for the start of the season. That process led to selecting Tai Felton in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

While the Vikings are high on Felton eventually developing into a contributor, he still has a lot of work to do before then. With Addison’s three game suspension now official, Jalen Nailor is set to take over WR2 duties opposite Justin Jefferson, until his teammate is eligible to return. At least, that was the plan…

Jalen Nailor hand injury worrisome for Minnesota Vikings

Until Thursday, when Nailor suffered a hand injury during the second of two joint practice sessions against the New England Patriots. According to SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson, there is “definite concern” regarding the 26-year-old former 6th round pick.

Nailor’s injury exacerbates an already thin Minnesota Vikings wide receiver room, after free agent signee, Rondale Moore — who they had been hoping would help fill in during Addison’s suspension — blew out his knee during his first preseason snap as a Viking, and since has been ruled out for the year.

If Nailor has any chance of missing regular season games, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah — who was likely monitoring and checking in on external WR options already — will begin seriously shopping for pass-catching help.

Unfortunately, it’s getting late in the training camp process to add a wideout capable of digesting O’Connell’s offense before the Vikings’ Monday Night Football opener in Chicago, against the Bears, on September 8.

Such logic would suggest Kwesi & Co will be on the hunt for someone who’s already worked and thrived in O’Connell’s system, or at least an offense that’s extremely similar.

Should the Minnesota Vikings Sign Odell Beckham Jr?

Odell Beckham
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

That leads us to 32-year-old one-time superstar, Odell Beckham Jr. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Beckham has “drawn interest” from several organizations, though he has yet to find a home for the upcoming 2025 season.

One of those teams has to be the Minnesota Vikings, right? Not only did OBJ win a Super Bowl in Los Angeles with Kevin O’Connell, but he and Justin Jefferson are fellow LSU alums too.

In fact, when Beckham Jr got in trouble for doling out $100 dollar bills to LSU players following their 2020 National Championship victory, Jefferson was first in line. Funny how circumstances change. Now, Justin can help get Odell paid. The two are believed to be good friends.

Related: 4 Wide Receivers the Vikings Should Consider Acquiring

There’s little doubt that OBJ is far beyond his prime, but the Vikings don’t need him to be prime OBJ, in order to give them what they need, which at this point, is competence.

If he can be a complementary threat, who can get open in zone and single coverage, that will be enough to keep defenses from shading too heavily toward Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson.

Beckham’s name has far outweighed his game, since tearing his ACL during Super Bowl LVI. Earlier that 2021 season, O’Connell’s last in LA, OBJ joined the Rams via midseason trade from Cleveland. He made a near immediate impact, especially on their playoff run, catching 21 passes on 26 targets for 288 yards and two touchdowns.

MN Vikings Also Monitoring Josh Metellus Injury

Jalen Nailor isn’t the only Minnesota Vikings player who got banged up during Thursday’s practice. Vikings do-it-all defender Josh Metellus also injured his shoulder.

Though, Metellus did pause and sign autographs for fans following practice. Coach Kevin O’Connell also didn’t seem too concerned about the status of his versatile starting safety either.

Related: Voice of Vikings Worried About Recent 1st Round Pick

Yet, we’ll have to wait to learn more about the status of Nailor and Metellus when the Vikings’ medical team has more time to properly assess the severity of their injuries. We should know more about their status by tomorrow, certainly in time for the Vikings’ second preseason game on Saturday.

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