Watch: Highlights of new Minnesota Vikings WR Dede Westbrook

Minnesota Vikings fans are going to like what the team’s newest wide receiver, Dede Westbrook, can add to the offense in 2021.

With less than a minute to go in the first half of a Week 15 matchup against the Washington Football Team back in 2018, new Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Dede Westbrook went back to receive a punt as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Westbrook caught the punt right around the Jaguars’ own 25-yard line and then he proceeded to take it 74 yards in the other direction for a touchdown.

This punt return is still the only one Westbrook has turned into six points during his NFL career. But he also gained more yards on this specific return (74) than the total amount that the Vikings accumulated in 16 punt returns last season (69).

Dede Westbrook brings explosive potential to the Minnesota Vikings

Heading into the 2021 season, Minnesota’s offense is full of playmakers. From Dalvin Cook to Justin Jefferson, the Vikings have the potential to make life miserable for opposing defenses.

With the addition of Westbrook, Minnesota offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has another weapon he can use to his advantage next season. Just take a look at what the new Vikings wide receiver was able to do with a short pass during a Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots in 2018.

In addition to being able to just blow by people with his 4.3 speed, Westbrook also has a shiftiness about him that results in him breaking the ankles of defenders that are trying to bring him down.

Lastly, whenever Westbrook finds himself in the end zone for the first time in a Vikings uniform, we can expect him to have an exciting celebration. He’s never been one who is afraid to break out a dance move or two after crossing the goal line.

Westbrook’s signing with Minnesota was officially announced on Sunday by his agency. He has agreed to a one-year deal with the Vikings that is reportedly worth just under $1.2 million according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson.

For someone with the playmaking potential like Westbrook, and the fact that he’s still only 27-years-old, Minnesota could have potentially just landed a huge bargain with this signing.

Westbrook suffered a torn ACL in Week 7 of last season, but he recently told the Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson that he will be ready to go when the Vikings hold their first full-team practice at training camp on Wednesday.