5 worst moves of the Minnesota Vikings 2021 offseason

Keeping Chad Beebe as WR3

Now that Wyatt Davis has filled the spot at guard, the next question Viking fans should ask is “Can he play receiver?”

Minnesota has one of the best wide receiver duos in the league with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. But there isn’t anyone else on the roster that puts fear into a defense. With the chance to add another pass-catcher, the Vikings decided to bring back Chad Beebe to fill that role.

This could be fine considering Minnesota ran the lowest percentage of three-receiver sets in the NFL in 2019 and 2020. But last season, the Vikings defense couldn’t keep teams off the scoreboard, which resulted in the need for a more wide-open offense.

If an opposing team decides to double Thielen and Jefferson, Minnesota would need to have a third option step up. While Beebe has excelled in a possession role, he’s not going anywhere after the catch with a 4.73 40-yard dash.

The Vikings had several opportunities to upgrade the third receiver position in free agency and the draft. Although there are some that believe Ihmir Smith-Marsette could be a long-term answer, he’s unlikely to contribute right away. That puts the 2021 Vikings into a bind and in need of someone else to stand up.