The Viking Age
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Minnesota Vikings 2018 season offseason forecast: Wide receivers

By Adam Carlson

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 14: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after defeating the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 14, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Who should the Minnesota Vikings have on their 53-man roster when it comes to wide receivers when the franchise opens the 2018 NFL season?

The 2017 NFL season was a good one for Minnesota Vikings wide receivers. Not only did the team get their first 1,000-yard receiver since Sidney Rice, but they also gave fans something to never forget with the Minneapolis Miracle.

Not only that, but the Vikings were 11th in total receiving yards last season with 3753 yards and caught 25 touchdowns from quarterbacks Case Keenum and Sam Bradford, giving hopes that 2018 can be even better.

Let’s take a look at who the Vikings wide receivers were during 2017, where they will be according to their contracts in 2018, and what the team should do going forward. (All free agency dates according to Spotrac)

Wide receivers under contract in 2018

Wide receivers set to become free agents

Even though it is only Michael Floyd scheduled to exit this year, the Vikings may want to consider bringing him back for the 2018 season. Even though he only had 10 catches for 76 yards, the team looked to want to get him more involved as the season went on and he added depth to the group.

However, Minnesota may feel comfortable in seeing more from Stacy Coley, Cayleb Jones, or Brandon Zylstra and bring them into the fray at a lower cost with a desire to see more of their upside.

Also in question is whether or not Jarius Wright or Laquon Treadwell will be around for next season. Both wide receivers are third or fourth on the depth chart and could draw attention from other teams or find themselves as salary cap casualties.

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Offseason options

  • Let Michael Floyd walk. I do believe there will be interest from both parties to get an extension, it will all come down to whether or not the team believes Floyd can continue to find a role with the team.
  • Decide on the future of Wright and Treadwell. Both will likely stick around for the 2018 season, but if a top receiver option falls into their laps or they like another player better, you never know what the team will do.
  • Target a free agent or draft pick to develop. Thielen and Diggs will start, but the group behind them will be a top priority to ensure depth and competition while not killing the team’s salary cap.

What the plan should be

The Vikings shouldn’t want to change much of anything at the wide receiver position this year. Minnesota will want to keep the combination of Thielen, Diggs, Wright, and Treadwell intact while holding an open competition for the fifth or possible sixth wide receiver.

Unless a great talent falls into their laps, Minnesota shouldn’t pursue anyone and stay firm with what they have after attempting to bring Floyd back.

Next: Should the Vikings go after Malcolm Butler?

What do you think the Minnesota Vikings should do at the wide receiver position entering the 2018 NFL season and is there a player who the team should let go this offseason? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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