Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, many argued that the Minnesota Vikings had a need to select a wide receiver who could compete for the WR3 role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Last year’s third receiver, Jalen Nailor, signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency.
The Vikings did draft receiver Tai Felton in the third round last year, but he recorded just three receptions for 25 yards as a rookie. There’s not enough there to suggest he’ll capably replace Nailor in 2026. While the coaching staff may have a much stronger internal belief in Felton than others do, after not selecting any receivers with their nine selections, Minnesota’s need has only grown.
Yet, by the Vikings ignoring the position while also opening up over $10 million in cap space with the Jonathan Greenard trade, there’s been increased speculation that Minnesota could add a veteran receiver in the next few weeks. Here are a few players they could target.
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He’s already won a Super Bowl playing in an offense that Kevin O’Connell was a part of with the Rams. While OBJ’s best days are well behind him, there’s been renewed interest in him continuing his NFL career ever since he suited up for a flag football game this offseason. Still just 32, perhaps Beckham would find his spark reuniting with KOC while getting to catch passes from Kyler Murray, and we can guarantee he wouldn’t ever face a double-team with Justin Jefferson around.
Hopkins has already spent three seasons catching passes from Murray with the Cardinals. He’s already expressed an interest in reuniting with K1 on the Vikings. Now that the draft is over, the Vikings may circle back to the 3x All-Pro, knowing his price will be low, considering no one else is banging down his door. Yet, Hopkins turns 34 in June, and he hasn’t topped 600 yards since 2024. How much does Hopkins have left in the tank?
Still under contract in San Francisco, the 49ers appear dead-set on getting something of value in return for the former second-team All-Pro. Teams have long expected the 49ers to release the receiver after he missed the entire 2025 season with a knee injury, but the Vikings may have to offer a 2027 Day 3 draft pick in exchange for the 28-year-old receiver instead.
Somehow still a free agent after recording a respectable 643-yard, 9 TD season, Jennings may have been asking for too much on the open market. After all, he’s just a year removed from falling 25 yards shy of a 1,000-yard season. Having spent five seasons playing for Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, Jennings would be a great fit for Minnesota’s offense too, especially since he’s capable of playing all three receiver spots, which is a must for anyone who’s signed to back up Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
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