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.

Commanders are releasing veteran WR KJ Osborn, who now becomes a free agent. pic.twitter.com/gaMWzpVIWQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025

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.

Drake Maye delivers a TD strike to KJ Osborn!

📺: #NEvsJAX on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/1NAg68cI2f

— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024

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.

The #Steelers are releasing veteran WR Robert Woods, source said, though the door is open for a possible return. Either way, he plans to play in 2025.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 26, 2025

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.

Since it’s New York Giants week, let’s take it back to when Robert Woods turned a 3rd and 33 into a HUGE touchdown! 🙌🏽🔥 pic.twitter.com/wDYOAmDv5j

— Rams Tapes 🇵🇷 (@RamsTapes) December 29, 2023

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.

Of course the top names internally for Kevin O’Connell to decide upon are Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor and maybe Trent Sherfield. Both wideouts have differing levels of intrigue and experience, but neither have the track record to suggest they are ideal solutions.

The Houston Texans have a plethora of options, especially since the addition of Stefon Diggs. No seriously, they have maybe a handful of wideouts behind Diggs who could all arguably slot in as an upgrade for the Vikings at WR3.

Minnesota Vikings can pick their poison with Houston Texans wide receivers

Diggs isn’t at the same level as Jefferson. But after that, Houston’s stacked wide receiver room includes 25 y/o – Nico Collins, 24 y/o – Tank Dell, 28 y/o – Noah Brown, 32 y/o – Robert Woods and 23 y/o – John Metchie III. It’s a buffet of wideout options. Pick your poison. Do you want higher ceiling or more experience?

If the Vikings were to pay up, Kwesi could swing for Nico Collins or Tank Dell. Of course, they can’t really afford to do that, given their lack of future draft picks, which is the same reason Minnesota is unlikely to go after trade block favorites from other teams, like Amari Cooper (Browns) and Chris Godwin (Bucs). Thus, Noah Brown or Robert Woods would be more likely targets, according to Alec Lewis (The Athletic).

Woods and Brown would be more doable than Cooper and Godwin from a cost perspective. They play for a Houston Texans team that boasts Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, John Metchie III and Ben Skowronek. Houston has an embarrassment of riches at the position. With free agency looming for Woods and Brown, and each player wanting more of the ball, why not move one of them for a late-round draft pick in 2026?

These two players also align with what the Vikings want at the No. 3 receiver spot. Both are capable at blocking in the run game, which was one of Osborn’s major responsibilities. O’Connell also coached Woods in Los Angeles in 2021.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Related: Minnesota Vikings Know Who They Want to Win the WR3 Job

Noah Brown would immediately slot in as the Vikings WR3. He put up 567 yards in just 10 games and 33 receptions. Brown also started 13 games for the Dallas Cowboys during the 2022 season. Woods, on the other hand, is a more veteran option. Yes, he is 32 years old and it’s been a few years since he last went for 1,000 yards.

But he too put up nice numbers in limited action last season (426 yards, 40 receptions) and played for Kevin O’Connell with the Rams back in 2019. In all reality, Woods would play the same type of role that Brandon Powell does, but he’s 6 feet tall, no 5-8. A move for either Brown or Woods would make a lot of sense financially for both teams, too.

Another facet to a potential move like this? The Vikings have the cap space to absorb both players’ contracts. Woods has about a $9.7 million cap hit for 2024, according to Over The Cap, while Brown’s is about $3.5 million. The Vikings have about $26 million to spend and also could renegotiate contracts with either player. Making this type of move would also solidify Powell’s standing as the team’s punt returner (and potentially kick returner).

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

A wide receiver would have nominal cost for the Minnesota Vikings

Even if the Minnesota Vikings feel set with Powell and Nailor, something of an insurance policy would cost very little. One of the Texans talents could likely be had for a late round pick, and those players are often a dice roll at best. Grabbing Hunter Renfrow off the free agent market at this point shouldn’t command a premium either.

Rather than experience the same level of uncertainty felt by the running back room last year, it stands to reason that O’Connell could bolster his offense for a new signal caller by bringing in a pass catcher. T.J. Hockenson isn’t returning any time soon, and while Robert Tonyan will help to carry that load, a third wideout would do wonders as well.