6 free-agent wide receivers the Vikings could sign in 2021
By Adam Carlson
Dede Westbrook
The NFL hasn’t been kind to Dede Westbrook since he entered the league. First of all, landing in quarterback purgatory in Jacksonville is a tough start for anyone not named Allen Robinson and then in 2020, we saw the former fourth-round draft pick tear his ACL.
When healthy, Westbrook is a model of consistency. In both 2018 and 2019, he saw 101 targets thrown his way and caught 66 of them. However, the former had him catching five touchdowns while only three to the latter.
Westbrook isn’t likely to see 100 targets if he lands in Minnesota, but it would definitely be a case of quality looks rather than quantity. And much like Keelan Cole, reuniting with wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell could be something that interests him.
In addition, the Vikings could look to Westbrook to be their new punt returner. In his career, he has returned 47 punts for a total of 461 yards and one touchdown. This would fill another hole where the purple and gold has struggled mightily the last few years.