7 free-agent receivers the Vikings could sign in 2022
By Luke Parrish
Jalen Guyton (RFA)
2021 Team: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have a deadly passing attack, with Justin Herbert leading the way as one of the league’s best young passers. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have formed a deadly duo on the outside, but Williams is set to hit free agency this offseason.
Josh Palmer was quite the surprise as a rookie in 2021 and he jumped up the depth chart in a hurry. His emergence could pave the way for Jalen Guyton to seek employment elsewhere this offseason as a deep threat and field stretcher. After a quiet first season, Guyton has been an explosive threat in Los Angeles over the past two seasons.
He has racked up 959 yards and six touchdowns over the past two seasons on 105 targets. His long is 72 yards, but he also has a career average of 16.3 yards per reception.
If the Vikings want to go after a speedster that can replicate the Desean Jackson/Van Jefferson role in O’Connell’s offense. Guyton is not going to get you 70 catches or 1,000 yards, but he will be a consistent threat that scares the defense. If they lapse, he will burn them for a big gain or score a few times a year.
The Vikings do not need a high-volume threat – unless Adam Thielen is off the roster in 2022 – but they do need somebody that can make splash plays in a limited role. Considering the price, the best bet to do just that in this free agency class is Jalen Guyton.