5 free-agent tight ends the Vikings should consider for 2019

Clive Walford

2018 Stats:

• 0 receptions
• 0 yards
• 0 touchdowns

Okay, this one might be a long shot. Walford was a third-round pick of the Oakland Raiders back in the 2015 NFL Draft.

The former Miami Hurricane was a fairly high-profile prospect who many thought would make an impact in the NFL. He landed with the Raiders and quarterback Derek Carr and expectations remained high for the young tight end.

Walford had a decent first couple of seasons in the league. He managed 61 receptions, 688 receiving yards, and six touchdowns in 2015 and 2016 combined, but he kind of went off the rails in 2017.

He couldn’t beat out Jared Cook and Lee Smith for playing time, he ended up suffering a concussion that cut his season short, and he was later released.

Since then Walford has bounced around between the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts, and then back to the Jets. He hasn’t had a reception in the NFL since the 2017 season and that is worrisome.

Walford has proven that he can be a competent receiving tight end in this league and maybe he’s just a guy who needs to get his confidence back with a fresh start.

He is a player who the Vikings could probably sign for the league minimum and he could even be one of those old crusty vets who is signed in June. Walford is the ultimate low risk, high reward type of player, but he could be a big-time surprise if he can regain the form that initially made him a third-round pick.