Deandre Hopkins, Minnesota Vikings
Getty
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings need a third wideout behind their duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Jalen Nailor left Minnesota this offseason via free agency, so the Vikings could use the draft to find one or find a veteran who remains a free agent.
Minnesota might not be looking for a game-changer for that WR3 role, just someone who can make timely catches, take advantage of the playing time, and step up should an injury occur next season.
Nonetheless, one former teammate of new Vikings QB Kyler Murray is offering his services to Minnesota as a reliable veteran for the third wideout role on the depth chart. Speaking to TMZ Sports, DeAndre Hopkins said he would like to reunite with Murray, whom he played with during his time with the Arizona Cardinals.
“Kyler … that’s my bro, man. Kyler is like family,”Hopkins said in a TMZ article published on March 22. “Whatever I can do for someone like that — if Kyler needed me, if the Vikings need me, they know I’ll be there.”
The 33-year-old spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, recording 22 receptions for 330 receiving yards, averaging 15.0 yards per reception, and two touchdowns.
Over the last two seasons, Hopkins has been a journeyman playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and Ravens, so it comes as no surprise that, in the twilight years of his career, he wants to be on a team that can win, and that’s what the Vikings are planning to do in 2026.
Could the Vikings Pursue Bills’ Keon Coleman?
Nonetheless, Hopkins’ name isn’t the only one in the speculation mill that’s emerging to fill that third wideout role on the depth chart.
In a March 19 article, FanSided’s Austen Bundy believes that Minnesota would be an ideal landing spot forBuffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman, who might need a change of scenery if he wants to get his NFL career back on track.
“If Coleman is continuing to struggle to produce like the early-round selection he was, Buffalo could easily find a suitor by the deadline,” Bundy wrote. “The Minnesota Vikings are hoping to be a buyer now that QB Kyler Murray is at the helm with weapons Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at his disposal.
“With the departure of Jalin Nailor and premature passing of Rondale Moore, the Vikings are in need of a WR3. Coleman could get a new lease on his career and demonstrate he’s still an elite prospect while Buffalo recoups value and Beane can select the guy he actually wants.”
J.J. McCarthy Gets Major Backing Ahead of QB Battle
Speaking of Nailor, he recently appearedon the March 19 edition of “Up & Adams” and shared his thoughts on the upcoming QB battle that the Vikings will be having to determine their starter. For the former Vikings wideout, his choice wasn’t hard as he’s riding with J.J. McCarthy.
“I’m probably rocking with my guy J.J., but you never know, man. It’s gonna bring the best out of both of them just to have that chip on their shoulder to go out there and perform like their life depends on it.”