The Viking Age
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5 best Vikings deep-ball receivers of the last decade

By Dustin Baker

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 09: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - AUGUST 09: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 09, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota Vikings
Charles Johnson of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 2 – Charles Johnson, Wide Receiver (2014-2016)

  • 40+ Yard Completions in 2019: Three
  • Percentage to Total Pass Targets: 2.75

The Green Bay Packers’ draftee from 2013 NFL Draft found his way to Minnesota in 2014. During that campaign, Charles Johnson was the deep-threat for the Vikings. The other receivers on the team were Greg Jennings, Jarius Wright, and Cordarrelle Patterson. And, that was pretty much it. The front office hadn’t quite realized that Adam Thielen was an unearthed gem.

This season was Mike Zimmer’s maiden voyage, and Johnson led the team in yards per catch (15.32). When journeyman Matt Cassel or rookie Teddy Bridgewater were seeking chunks of yardage, Johnson was a frequent recipient. As for 40+ yard receptions, Johnson has a memorable one against the New York Jets in 2014. He hauled in a 56-yarder from Bridgewater en route to a 30-24 overtime victory at TCF Bank Stadium in Week 14 of that season.  Previously-mentioned Jarius Wright provided the walk-off overtime touchdown.

Johnson’s career was brief. He was not re-upped by the Vikings following the 2016 season, and he has not played in the NFL since.

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