Vikings FA Visitor Hanging Out with Division Rival

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Rondale Moore
Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have done plenty of the heavy lifting during free agency already. They have fortified their offensive line while building in the trenches on defense. They still need a veteran quarterback addition and could use upgrades or depth pieces elsewhere, too, including WR, S, CB and possibly others.

While most of their free agent signings over the past week have happened without any sort of visit, there have been some non-contract players shopping the market who have stopped by TCO Performance Center. Today, Kevin O’Connell & Co are hosting former top 3 overall draft pick Jeff Okudah on a visit.

Okudah’s visit in Eagan comes exactly one week after reports initially broke that Commanders DT Jonathan Allen was on a visit at TCO Performance Center for the start of the NFL negotiating period last Monday. Allen agreed to terms in Minnesota the next morning and has since signed his deal.

Rondale Moore visiting rival Chicago Bears

But not all visits have ended as successfully as Allen’s did. For example, late last week, the the MN Vikings announced on social media that 25-year-old speedy wide receiver, Rondale Moore, was on a visit with the Minnesota Vikings.

Unfortunately, the WR3 upgrade left town without a deal in hand. Chatter connecting the two sides has been quiet ever since. Even worse, Ian Rapoport reported late Monday morning that Moore is in Chicago visiting with the division rival Bears today.

A former second round pick by the Arizona Cardinals, Rondale Moore is available on the open market after four seasons. In 2023 he played in all 17 games and started eight. Across 39 games he has totaled 1,201 yards and three touchdowns. He was traded to Atlanta and then didn’t play in 2024 due to a knee injury suffered in August.

Related: Minnesota Vikings in Contact with Another Veteran QB

It stands to reason that the speedster would present an upgrade in the slot over Jalen Nailor. He could also operate in a bit more space should Jordan Addison be suspended. That vision didn’t materialize during his initial visit with the Vikings and now he’s talking to the Bears.

What does Chicago have to offer Moore that Minnesota Vikings do not?

Right now Chicago has just two established starting wide receivers. Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore figure to be quarterback Caleb Williams’ top targets. Olamide Zaccheaus is the projected slot starter, but Moore may feel as though he can beat him out.

Any decision to sign with Chicago would need to be made through the vein of belief in Williams, and new direction under head coach Ben Johnson. Moore has certainly seen how capable of an offense that Minnesota has, and that should remain as Kevin O’Connell breaks in young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

Related: Vikings Hosting Former Top 3 Draft Pick for Free Agency Visit

Moore will be looking to show he’s worthy of a long-term contract in 2026 after missing the 2024 season. He has never made more than $1.6 million in a season, and finding a spot where he can contribute at a high level should be the goal.

If it’s not going to be Moore for the Vikings, they will continue to kick the tires on other free agent options as well as look in the draft. Lucky Jackson, Jeshaun Jones, and Thomas Thayer won’t push Nailor enough. Someone else has to.

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