Just days after the 2026 draft, the Minnesota Vikings brought free agent wide receiver Jauan Jennings in for a visit that spanned part of two days. That alone conveyed a high level of mutual interest, but Jennings ultimately left town without a contract.
Jennings' previously rumored high asking price has probably come down, as he lingers available into May. But what would likely be a one-year deal to fill the WR3 role for the Vikings probably isn't a great way for him to have a big season and hit the market again next March. There are teams that can offer a role with more available targets.
So if the Vikings are going to add a veteran wide receiver, and having Jennings in for a two-day visit shows they are motivated to do so, there are multiple other available options.
Some are easy to scratch off the list, while at least one looks like a perfect fit despite freshly hinting he's willing to play for another team.
New WR option suggested for Minnesota Vikings if Jauan Jennings ship has indeed sailed
Sorting through the non-Jennings WR3 options for the Vikings will start to become a thing if news of a deal doesn't come soon. On that note, PFF's Bradley Locker recently matched them with Deebo Samuel.
"Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a step back over the last two campaigns, but he still finished 2025 with a 70.3 PFF receiving grade and 1.66 yards per route run. Further, Samuel’s 6.5 yards after the catch per reception was fourth among wideouts with 95 or more targets.
Next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Samuel could help fill Nailor’s void in the slot while infusing more juice after the catch and overall creativity for Kevin O’Connell."
The 30-year-old Samuel averaged a career low in yards per catch with the Washington Commanders last season (10.1). But 72 catches is nothing to scoff at; he still can offer something as a runner, and his yards after the catch per reception ranking among high-volume target wide receivers is notable.
Put simply, Samuel offers elements the Vikings' passing game and offense doesn't have right now.
Samuel is perpetually banged up, particularly with lower-body injuries, and that risk of missed time isn't going away. He only missed one game last season, though, and he regularly plays despite being on the injury report during the week.
A kick of the tires on Samuel from the Vikings' end makes plenty of sense, as options beyond Jennings should start being considered. Actually signing him will come down to how he views himself, what other teams are interested in him, and, of course, his asking price.
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