Since their NFL debut in 1961, the Minnesota Vikings have been fortunate to have some of the most talented wide receivers ever to play professional football join their roster. In fact, there are two players who have been deemed as "generational talents" who caught passes for the purple and gold.
Some players stuck around a long time to rack up an impressive statistical line during their time with the Vikings while others made a huge impact in a shorter time based on explosive plays and freakish athleticism.
Let's take a look at the 20 greatest wide receivers to ever play for the Minnesota Vikings and how they contributed during their time with the team.
20 best wide receivers in the history of the Minnesota Vikings
Any ranking list is an opinion unless based solely on numerical data. More than just yards, touchdowns, and years played with the Minnesota Vikings will be taken into account for these wide receiver rankings.
20. K.J. Osborn
Although he may not be thought of as one of the greatest wide receivers in Vikings history, K.J. Osborn spent four seasons with Minnesota before going to the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2024.
Best known for being a third receiving option in Minnesota, Osborn played in 59 games for the Vikings where he saw 247 passes thrown his way. He didn't make a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team while wearing purple and gold, but was a solid contributor during his time with the team.
19. Bernard Berrian
A prized free agent signing of the Vikings from the Chicago Bears, Bernard Berrian was brought to Minnesota to stretch the field. He did that on a 99-yard touchdown reception from Gus Frerotte in 2008 against his former team on Sunday Night Football following a defensive goal-line stand.
Despte only playing 51 games for the Vikings, Berrian's athleticism started to drop off with each passing season in Minnesota. A third-round pick of the Bears in 2004, Berrian was released by the Vikings in October of 2011.
18. Qadry Ismail
Another wide receiver who only lasted four seasons with the Vikings, Quadry Ismail was a second-round pick for Minnesota in the 1993 NFL Draft. Known as "The Missile" by fans, he was a track star who showed off his athleticism on the football field.
Ismail saw action in 63 games for Minnesota before bouncing around the league a little. The dynamic pass-catcher spent time with the Dolphins, Saints, Ravens, and Colts before hanging up his cleats after the 2002 season.
17. Jarius Wright
Another wide receiver considered to be the third option in Minnesota, Jarius Wright made the most of his opportunities when they were presented to him. A fourth-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the former Arkansas standout spent six seasons with the Vikings.
Known for making clutch catches on third down, Wright was embraced by fans. The former track and field star was released on March 16, 2018 and joined the Carolina Panthers for the final two seasons of his career.
16. Sidney Rice
Sidney Rice was an athletic freak of nature who was brought to the forefront of the Minnesota Vikings when he became a favorite target for Brett Favre. A second-round draft pick in 2007, injuries always seemed to happen at the most inopportune times to hamper his momentum.
Rice only spent four seasons with the Vikings, but made a big impression. He had multiple 100-yard receiving games and a 201-yard effort in a Week 10 matchup against the Lions and was even named to the Pro Bowl in 2009.
15. Leo Lewis
A second-generation professional football player, Leo Lewis was an undrafted free agent out of Missouri in 1979. He wouldn't join the Minnesota Vikings until 1981 but worked hard to make a name for himself.
Lewis played in 140 games for Minnesota during his career, enjoying the best season of his tenure in 1984 when he caught 47 passes for 830 yards and four touchdowns. A consistent force for the Vikings, Lewis was a reliable target.
14. Gene Washington
The Vikings used the No. 8 overall pick in the 1967 draft to select Michigan State wide receiver Gene Washington. He spent six seasons in Minnesota, playing in 88 games where he averaged 17.9 yards per reception.
Washington was a member of Minnesota's 1969 NFL Championship team and was named to two Pro Bowls and earned one All-Pro Second-Team nod. He was also named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings by the team.
13. Paul Flatley
A fourth-round pick of the Vikings in the 1963 NFL Draft, Paul Flatley spent the first five seasons of his professional football career with Minnesota. He was named the UPI NFL-NFC Rookie of the Year in 1963 and earned a Pro Bowl nod in 1966.
Flatley never had a 1,000-yard receiving season but played in 64 games for the Vikings, starting all but one of those contests. He would later go on to become a member of the radio broadcast team for Minnesota Golden Gopher football
12. John Gilliam
John Gilliam didn't join the Vikings until his sixth season in the league but had the best career stretch with Minnesota. A second-round pick of the New Orleans Saints in the 1967 NFL Draft, the South Carolina State pass catcher was a star track and field athlete.
The Vikings enjoyed success with Gilliam on their roster. He was part of two Minnesota Super Bowls was named to four Pro Bowls, and made the All-Pro Second Team once in his four seasons with the Vikings.
11. Hassan Jones
A fifth-round pick of the Vikings in the 1986 NFL Draft, Hassan Jones played 100 games for Minnesota during his seven years with the team. Jones found his groove from 1988 to 1990, putting together a solid stretch for the purple and gold.
Jones was never an All-Pro or Pro Bowl player but his contributions were felt on the football field. The Florida State product spent one season with the Kansas City Chiefs before his retirement following the conclusion of the 1993 season.
10. Percy Harvin
One of the more modern players on this list, Percy Harvin was one of the most exciting players ever to wear a Minnesota Vikings uniform. The No. 22 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Florida receiver made an instant impact and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Between suspensions and injuries, Harvin's career couldn't maintain momentum. He only spent four seasons in Minnesota but was named to one Pro Bowl. His contributions as a kick return specialist highlighted his speed and athleticism, proving he was a threat any time he had the football.
9. Stefon Diggs
Vikings fans will remember Stefon Diggs fondly for the Minneapolis Miracle but he was more than just a one-trick pony in Minnesota. He played five seasons with the team before being traded to Buffalo but continued to see his offensive output increase with each season in a purple and gold jersey.
Diggs played in 70 games for the Vikings where he showcased his speed. Previously a sprinter, the Maryland receiver somehow dropped to the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft where Minnesota landed one of the most talented players to ever wear a Vikings uniform.
8. Ahmad Rashad
Another "miracle" player for the Vikings, Ahmad Rashad was known for a reception called "The Miracle at the Met" during an improbable come-from-behind victory over the Cleveland Browns in 1980. where he caught a 46-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass on the final play of the game.
Spending seven seasons with the Vikings, Rashad was named to four Pro Bowls and had two seasons with over 1.000 yards receiving. He is a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor and is one of the 50 Greatest Vikings.
7. Justin Jefferson
As Justin Jefferson continues to play for the Minnesota Vikings, he should keep rising on this list. Despite only playing four seasons so far, the LSU receiver is eighth all-time in franchise receiving yards.
The No. 22 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jefferson quickly became a league-wide phenomenon for his ability to get open and make contested catches. His "Griddy" touchdown celebration became a pop culture sensation with numerous players attempting the dance.
6. Jake Reed
A third-round pick in the 1991 NFL Draft, Jake Reed was consistent and dynamic at the same time. He played in 134 games for the Vikings, where he had four consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and stepped up when needed.
The Grambling State alum is part of a football family and paired well with teammate Cris Carter during their time in Minnesota. He is one of the few good things to come from the disastrous Herschel Walker trade.
5. Sammy White
A second-round pick of the Vikings in the 1976 NFL Draft, Sammy White played his entire career in Minnesota. His presence was felt immediately, grabbing ten touchdowns as a rookie on his way to earning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
White only had one season of over 1,000 receiving yards but consistently had over 700 yards during the first six seasons of his career. He earned two Pro Bowl nods and a spot among the 50 Greatest Vikings.
4. Adam Thielen
It's hard not to love Adam Thielen. The story of the Minnesota native working his way from an undrafted rookie on the practice squad to a full-time starter is legendary among Vikings fans around the world.
Thielen spent nine seasons with the Vikings before shifting to Carolina. He accumulated so many yards in Minnesota that he is currently fourth all-time among all Vikings wide receivers in the category.
3. Anthony Carter
A 12th-round pick in the 1983 NFL Draft out of Michigan, Anthony Carter was a model of stability for the Minnesota Vikings, Playing in 133 games over nine seasons, the exciting receiver logged three seasons with over 1,000 yards.
Carter was named to three Pro Bowls during his time with the Vikings. His play earned him a spot among the 50 Greatest Vikings. It is interesting to think if his career would have been even better if he hadn't chosen the USFL over the NFL after leaving college.
2. Cris Carter
It would be perfectly understandable if Cris Carter is on top of anyone's list of greatest Vikings wide receivers. Not only is he the franchise's leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receving touchdowns, but his 12 seasons in Minnesota established him as a true Viking.
Carter proved that giving second chances can pay off. After the Eagles cut the troubled wide receiver, Minnesota reaped the benefits of signing a changed man. A Pro Football Hall of Fame member, his No. 80 jersey is retired by the team.
1. Randy Moss
There may not have been a more physically gifted or exciting wide receiver to play for the Minnesota Vikings than Randy Moss. The No. 21 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft out of Marshall brought a lot of eyes to the franchise thanks to unbelievable plays that Moss made look routine.
Listing all Moss' accolades would take up a ton of space, but they are highlighted by Offensve Rookie of the Year, five Pro Bowls, being named to the All-Pro First Team four times, and being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Rank | Player name | Years w/ MIN | Rec. yards/TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Randy Moss | 1998-2004, 2010 | 9,316/92 |
2 | Cris Carter | 1990-2001 | 12,383/110 |
3 | Anthony Carter | 1985-1993 | 7,636/52 |
4 | Adam Thielen | 2014-2022 | 6,682/55 |
5 | Sammy White | 1976-1985 | 6,400/50 |
6 | Jake Reed | 1991-2001 | 6,433/33 |
7 | Justin Jefferson | 2020-current | 5,899/30 |
8 | Ahmad Rashad | 1976-1982 | 5,489/34 |
9 | Stefon Diggs | 2015-2019 | 4,623/30 |
10 | Percy Harvin | 2009-2012 | 3,302/20 |
11 | Hassan Jones | 1986-1992 | 3,733/24 |
12 | John Gilliam | 1972-1975 | 3,297/27 |
13 | Paul Flatley | 1963-1967 | 3,222/17 |
14 | Gene Washington | 1967-1972 | 3.087/23 |
15 | Leo Lewis | 1981-1991 | 2,924/18 |
16 | Sidney Rice | 2007-2010 | 2,129/30 |
17 | Jarius Wright | 2012-2017 | 2,039/10 |
18 | Qadry Ismail | 1993-1996 | 1,856/12 |
19 | Bernard Berrian | 2008-2011 | 1,925/11 |
20 | K.J. Osborn | 2020-2023 | 1,845/15 |