Why the Vikings should target Jamison Crowder to be their new WR3
By Luke Parrish
If he becomes available, New York Jets receiver Jamison Crowder would be a great addition to the Minnesota Vikings.
With the New York Jets reportedly wanting wide receiver Jamison Crowder to take a pay cut this year, he could be on the market in the coming days, and the Minnesota Vikings should be all over him to fill out their receiver room.
Crowder spent three seasons with Kirk Cousins when the two were with the Washington Football Team before the quarterback left for Minnesota in 2018.
As things stand, the Vikings do not have a definitive third receiver to pair with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen next season. They could certainly use a veteran with experience in the slot to help bolster the offense after a strong 2020 campaign.
A player like Crowder could also be monumental in helping develop younger guys like Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Bisi Johnson for the future.
At 27-years-old, Crowder still has plenty left in the gas tank. If he hits the market or is put on the trade block, the Vikings should be in the running. In six seasons, he has accumulated 358 catches and 4,160 yards while adding 26 touchdowns. In each of his two seasons with the Jets, Crowder finished with six touchdowns receptions.
The ceiling is somewhat limited for the veteran pass-catcher given his small stature (5-foot-9, 177 pounds), but he makes plays as over 60 percent of his career receptions have resulted in a first down or a touchdown.
For Cousins, getting an extra weapon that has previous experience with him would only make him better. The Vikings had a very good offense last season and they have already added plenty of help on the defensive side of the ball during the last few months. Bringing in one more threat on offense could turn Minnesota into a real contender.
Crowder may not be a superstar, but adding him to the Vikings’ offense could be very beneficial for them in 2021. Let’s take a look at the receiver’s history with Cousins and how his time in New York offers some hope.