Why the Vikings should target Jamison Crowder to be their new WR3

How could Minnesota utilize Crowder?

The Vikings have not been using three receivers often in the recent past. And even when they have, they typically haven’t played a major role in the team’s passing game thanks to Dalvin Cook carrying the offense while Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen are the primary targets in the passing attack.

Last season, Jefferson, Thielen, and Cook were the only three Minnesota players to received over 50 targets. Irv Smith Jr. got involved near the end of the year with Kyle Rudolph missing time, but he still only finished with 30 catches on 43 targets.

As far as receivers go, Chad Beebe was third on the team last season with 30 targets and 20 catches. The Vikings might not need a high-volume threat at the No. 3 receiver spot, but they need someone who can make plays more than just twice a game.

Adding Jamison Crowder to Minnesota’s current offense would give Cousins an extra possession guy that can get open over the middle while potentially letting Tyler Conklin or Smith play more on the outside with their size. Crowder would not have to haul in 70 balls in order to make an impact for the Vikings next season.

If he could come in and give Minnesota around 50 catches for 580 yards – which would equate to his 11.6 yards per catch over his career, then the Vikings would be in business. Only having two players over 400 receiving yards last season was not going to scare defenses.

As good as Jefferson and Thielen are, they need someone next to them that can take away defenders in passing situations. Third downs with Crowder, Thielen, Jefferson, and Cook on the field would open things up quite a bit for Minnesota.

Touchdowns would not be super necessary from Crowder either as Jefferson and Thielen will create points on their own, and Cook will do it on the ground. In the red zone, Conklin and Smith become bigger threats as well. That should take the pressure off of Crowder and make him a viable weapon between the 20s.

While the Vikings still search for their slot receiver, Crowder’s name has to be one to monitor.