The Vikings are grappling with uncertainty at the wide receiver position while facing considerable expectations from their quarterbacks, who are eager to make their NFL debuts.
According to NFL Network, the team is “seriously exploring” trades for veteran wide receivers, though nothing concrete has materialized yet.
This week, Minnesota is set to welcome Justin Jefferson back to practice after he dealt with hamstring issues. However, there’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the depth behind him.
Jordan Addison, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2023, is facing a three-game suspension due to a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy stemming from a DUI incident.
Rondale Moore, who joined the Vikings after struggling with injuries while with the Falcons last season, suffered a season-ending knee injury during a preseason game earlier this month.
Jalen Nailor, a fourth-year receiver who had hoped to take advantage of the absences of Addison and Moore, has also been sidelined with a recent hand injury and is now considered weekly.
As quarterback JJ McCarthy is set to miss his entire rookie season due to knee surgery, will the Vikings feel the push to acquire another receiver to bolster their lineup?
Tyreek Hill
The Dolphins’ standout has been swirling in trade rumors since last season when he stated, “I’m not out.” Miami seems to be at a crucial junction after failing to make the playoffs during head coach Mike McDaniel’s third year.
At 31, Hill still has two years left on his three-year, $90 million contract but can be traded after the 2025 season with a relatively low dead cap hit of $15.5 million.
Terry McLaurin
The 29-year-old wide receiver is currently in a contract dispute with the Commanders. Washington might be reluctant to part with two Pro Bowl players after advancing to the NFC Championship Game last season.
Last year, McLaurin recorded 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and achieved a career-high of 13 touchdown catches.
Kendrick Bourne
The Patriots have restructured their receiving corps and Bourne seems to be the odd one out.
The 30-year-old managed 28 catches for 305 yards and one touchdown over 12 games last season, and he is currently in the second year of a three-year, $19.5 million contract.
