The Minnesota Vikings did not draft any rookie wide receivers in 2026 and now need to find a WR3 through free agency. With Jalen Nailor leaving for the Las Vegas Raiders, the team is exploring options to fill the gap.
Key points
Vikings did not draft any rookie wide receivers in 2026
Jalen Nailor left for the Las Vegas Raiders
Tai Felton may not be ready for WR3 role
Vikings need to explore free agency for wide receiver options
All Eyes Turn to One Position for Vikings after Draft
Jeffrey Becker
The Minnesota Vikings exited the 2026 NFL Draft with zero rookie wide receivers, despite doing extensive homework at the position in the last two months. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski snagged some undrafted free-agent wideouts, but those usually cannot be trusted as immediate contributors. Therefore, Minnesota needs a WR3 from free agency if last yearās rookie, Tai Felton, is not ready for the post following Jalen Nailorās departure to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Minnesota has internal upside, but the free-agent market still offers familiar names.
Thankfully, the free-agent market has plenty of options.
Seven Veteran WRs Who Could Still Fit Minnesotaās Offense
Ranked in ascending order, these are the top WR3 options for the Vikings (No. 1 = best).
Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs looking on before a game at Gillette Stadium. Vikings WR3
Maryland native , now with the , surveys the field during pregame moments before facing the , Jan. 4, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The veteran wide receiver stands on the sideline as both teams finalize preparations ahead of kickoff in a late-season divisional matchup. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images.
Q&A
Why did the Minnesota Vikings not draft any wide receivers in 2026?
The Vikings conducted extensive research on the wide receiver position but ultimately chose not to select any during the draft.
Who is expected to fill the WR3 position for the Vikings after Jalen Nailor's departure?
The Vikings are looking to acquire a WR3 from free agency, especially if last year's rookie Tai Felton is not ready.
What options are available for the Vikings in the free-agent market for wide receivers?
The free-agent market has several familiar names that the Vikings can consider to strengthen their wide receiver corps.
What impact does Jalen Nailor's move to the Las Vegas Raiders have on the Vikings?
Nailor's departure creates a vacancy at the WR3 position, prompting the Vikings to seek immediate contributors from free agency.
Related Articles
MLBĀ·Recap
Bullpen blows up late in loss to D-backs, Padres settle for split in Mexico City
Padres fall 8-7 to Diamondbacks after bullpen collapse in Mexico City.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Refsnyder's challenge that led to homer was 1 of 8 successful challenges for Mariners and Cardinals
Refsnyder's challenge leads to Mariners' 3-2 victory against Cardinals
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SportsĀ·Recap
Who won the NASCAR Talladega race? Winner is Carson Hocevar, plus full results
Carson Hocevar clinches his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega!
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
Yankees react fast after Luis Gil gets lit up by Astros
Yankees react quickly, sending Luis Gil to Triple-A after rough outing against Astros.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SoccerĀ·Transfer
Marcus Rashford: Newcastleās ambitious plans come to light
Newcastle shows interest in Marcus Rashford amid Barcelona loan.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Sports
John Schneider explains Seahawks giving up 2027 fourth-round pick to draft Beau Stephens
Seahawks trade 2027 fourth-round pick to draft Beau Stephens
Diggs is navigating a bizarre choking incident, where he was alleged to have assaulted his personal chef. Accordingly, heās a free agent. If the legal woes dissipate, some team will sign him in the next four months.
In New England last year, Diggs was by far the New England Patriotsā most productive receiver. He still has gas left in the tank. Itās all a matter of whether the Vikings want the legal circus that could accompany his presence.
Reminder: Diggs spent his first six seasons in Minnesota. In theory, he could book-end his career in the spot where it started.
Most might have Allen higher on a list like this, but the Vikingsā offense lacks speed after losing Jalen Nailor, Ty Chandler, and Rondale Moore (RIP). Allen has zero speed and never had much in the first place.
However, if Kevin OāConnell wants a straight possession receiver, Allen can be the guy. Heād likely tally around 600 receiving yards in 2026, give or take.
DeāAndre Hopkins
Hopkins outranked Allen in this article for two reasons: a) Heās already stated this offseason that he wants to play for the Vikings b) He has history with Kyler Murray, who is one of his closest friends.
The five-time Pro Bowler could especially cook in the redzone. Like Allen, though, Hopkins lacks speed.
Hill, on the other hand, does not lack speed, or at least he didnāt before his gruesome 2025 injury. Itās unclear if Hill will be ready to go by September, but general managers will find that out soon. If heās ready, the Vikings should pounce, if only to have the Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Tyreek Hill monster on paper.
Remember: Hillās offensive coordinator for the last four seasons ā Frank Smith ā now works for the Vikings as an assistant head coach.
NFL writer Evan Massey noted on Hill + the Vikings earlier this offseason, āWhy not take a look at Tyreek Hill? He is coming off of a brutal knee injury, but if he can get back to full health the addition of Hill would make the Vikings nearly unstoppable on offense. A healthy Tyreek Hill would make the Minnesota offense unfair. Itās hard to even imagine what a passing game that features a healthy Hill, Jefferson, and Addison could look like. No opposing defense would be able to stop them.ā
āGranted, there is no guarantee that Hill will be able to revert back to those bigger numbers following the knee injury. Despite the potential concerns, taking a flier on Hill if the price is right would be a wise move for Minnesota.ā
Jennings probably still thinks heās worth a huge contract, and Minnesota doesnāt have a ton of cash lying around. That prohibits this fit just a bit.
49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings on the field during a game in Santa Clara. Vikings WR3.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings stands on the field during a regular season contest, Nov. 27, 2022, in Santa Clara, California. The physical pass catcher remains a key part of the 49ers offense, known for his blocking and tough catches in traffic during important moments. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports.
Still, if Jenningsās asking price comes down to earth, heās one of the best possible free agents for the Vikings to consider. Everything he does ā OāConnell covets from a wide receiver. Jennings is one of the best blocking WRs in the league, in addition to his impressive pass-catching acumen.
Aiyuk isnāt a free agent ā yet. The San Francisco 49ers oddly insist on trading him, though everyone knows heāll never play another snap in The Bay.
Perhaps Brzezinski can dangle a late-round pick in front of John Lynch and call it good. Aiyuk turned 28 last month, meaning he has three prime years left, assuming he gets back on track. By far, Aiyuk has the highest upside on this list if the goal is to find a wideout who can tabulate 1,000 yards or more.
These days, Samuel totals around 700-800 receiving yards per season, and thatās exactly what the Vikings need. His speed isnāt the same as five years ago, but he also isnāt as slow as Allen or Hopkins.
Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel warming up before game against Eagles. Vikings WR3.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) moves through pregame warmups before taking on the Philadelphia Eagles, Jan. 4, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The versatile playmaker goes through drills as Washington prepares for a key matchup against a division rival late in the regular season. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images.
He might be a little expensive ā a $15 million estimated market value ā but if that number comes down to $10 million or $12 million, the Vikings should pounce. Samuel turned 30 in January. Heās not ancient.
