5 receivers that can replace Adam Thielen for the Vikings in 2023
By Chris Schad
Odell Beckham Jr.
When the Vikings got off to a 7-1 start, they became a surprising suitor for Odell Beckham Jr. Although the move never materialized, the rationale for bringing him to Minnesota still exists.
Beckham is one of the most explosive receivers in the game and revitalized his career after being traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. While he put up modest numbers in eight games, he turned it on in the playoffs, catching 21 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns in four games.
Beckham tore his ACL in the Super Bowl and missed the entire 2022 season, but Kevin O’Connell had a front-row seat for his postseason explosion. It’s also notable that when Beckham had his falling out with the Browns, several players took the field in “Free Odell” t-shirts the following season including fellow LSU alum Justin Jefferson.
Beckham will look to sign with a contender and he reportedly is seeking a contract in excess of $20 million per season, but perhaps the idea of teaming with Jefferson would be enough to consider the Vikings. If that happens, the Vikings could have a duo that would terrorize the NFC North and turn a good offense into a great one.