Vikings may have superb WR addition dropped in their laps before training camp
By Ryan Heckman
One of the missing pieces to this Minnesota Vikings team as they prepare for training camp comes at the wide receiver position.
Yes, even after signing Justin Jefferson to a massive extension, it's a need, but specifically at the WR3 spot where Brandon Powell currently resides.
Could the Vikings get help by way of another team's abundance at the position?
Bleacher Report's Alex Kay put together a list of potential cuts to watch out for as training camp looms, and chose the Houston Texans' John Metchie III to be part of that conversation.
Wrote Kay:
"Metchie missed his entire rookie season after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He returned in time for training camp last year, but he only saw sporadic action during the regular season. He finished 2023 having caught just 16 balls for 158 yards with zero touchdowns over 16 contests.
That lack of production could cost him a roster spot, especially after Houston brought over Stefon Diggs in a blockbuster trade. With a crowded receivers room that also includes a pair of 2023 breakout stars in Nico Collins and Tank Dell in addition to Noah Brown and Robert Woods, it's hard to see Metchie carving out a meaningful role without a stellar training camp."
John Metchie III could go from "dart throw" to valuable asset with the Minnesota Vikings real quick
If Houston winds up releasing Metchie, he would be the perfect dart throw for the Vikings. He'd likely come cheap, but with a whole lot to prove. If Metchie were to have a strong camp, there's no reason why he couldn't just make this roster, but earn a lasting role.
Take the impact made by K.J. Osborn over the last few years as the team's third receiver. He played a pivotal role in many games, proving to be a reliable third option. In three seasons with the Vikings (he didn't play as a rookie), Osborn caught 158 passes for 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns.
That's an average of over 52 catches, 600 receiving yards, and an even five scores per season. Should Metchie earn the third wide receiver role, he may not produce like Osborn did, especially because of the questions at quarterback right now, but the role he'd play would be locked in.
Going from a team with an abundance of talent at the position to a team in need of more depth might just be what Metchie needs to give his career a "better late than never" type of kickstart.