The Minnesota Vikings’ wide receiver corps was already considered one of the league’s best by the end of the 2024 season. Led by first-team All-Pro Justin Jefferson, Vikings pass catchers helped the offense finish top five in touchdowns and yards per catch. Outside of a potential Jordan Addison suspension, all signs point to them returning the same production this season.
Still, the front office isn’t satisfied. Despite the receivers’ numbers, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah still attacked the position in free agency and the draft, creating a bit of a logjam heading into training camp. He signed Rondale Moore, drafted Tai Felton, and brought in multiple receivers as undrafted free agents.
On such a stacked depth chart, it’s going to be hard to make the team. However, receivers can make a name for themselves on special teams, especially as a punt returner.
Brandon Powell has been Minnesota’s punt returner for two years but hasn’t done enough to secure the position. Powell’s 37 returns led the NFL in 2023, but his 7.8 yards per run-back ranked second to last among qualified returners (min. 22 returns). In 2024, he returned 23 of Minnesota’s 24 punts and averaged an even more woeful 7.1 yards, the worst among qualifiers.
The Vikings trusted Powell because he rarely makes mistakes in such a crucial role. But looking at Minnesota’s numbers on special teams (and the fact they haven’t re-signed Powell), it’s clear they want someone flashier returning kicks. Some wide receivers can fit the mold.
KYLER GOES DEEP TO RONDALE MOORE 🔥
TOUCHDOWN.
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/KqjsXYTM8k
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 19, 2023
Rondale Moore
Moore is the first receiver who stands out. He returned both kicks and punts in his first two years of college at Purdue, averaging 6.9 yards per return. He filled the same role as a rookie with the Arizona Cardinals, returning 21 punts for 171 yards – an average of 8.1 yards.
Considering league average was 8.8 yards, Moore’s numbers aren’t eye-popping, and it’s been three years since he returned kicks consistently. However, his 4.29 40-yard dash speed makes him one of the fastest guys on the team, and he has experience at the position. That’s enough to put him in consideration at least.
Moore will compete to be the No. 3 receiver after the Vikings doled out $2 million to him coming off an ACL tear that sidelined him for all of 2024. They might want to ease him into the role because of this injury, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he got some reps on the punt team.
Silas Bolden
Bolden is the next and perhaps most attractive option. The rookie out of Texas is already fighting for his spot among the other undrafted talents, and his abilities as a returner might help him find his way onto the roster.
As a senior, he led the SEC in punt returns (30, second in the NCAA) and yards (315, third in the NCAA), adding a touchdown in the CFP quarterfinal against Arizona State. His blazing 4.38 speed gives him the flash the Vikings need out of their returner, and his home-run capability can help them score their first punt return touchdown since 2016.
The only question is: Will translate to the next level? Bolden had good but not great numbers as a receiver in college. Unless he can showcase something in training camp, he will probably only be a returner if he makes the roster. It’s difficult to commit that much to him if he can’t contribute in any other facet. He could pull a Cordarrelle Patterson and move into the backfield, but his 5’8”, 152 lb. frame indicates that won’t be happening.
SILAS BOLDEN 75-YARD PUNT RETURN TO THE HOUSE‼️ pic.twitter.com/QsW24fqYhg
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2025
Jalen Nailor
Then, there’s Jalen Nailor. The fourth-year receiver returned just eight punts at Michigan State and has just one return at the pro level: a kick that was misread, muffed, and led to a Green Bay Packers touchdown just before halftime in Week 4 last season.
Fans might cringe at the idea of trying Nailor again, but it might be the only way he can stay on the field. After setting career highs in catches (28), yards (414), and touchdowns (6), Nailor might lose the third WR spot to newly acquired weapons Moore or Felton.
The coaching staff believes in him, and he will have an opportunity this year with Addison’s suspension looming, but he’s also in the final year of his rookie contract and thus will need to find other ways to raise his value. It’ll be an uphill battle for Nailor to return punts, but it’s an area “Speedy” needs to succeed in to contribute to the Vikings next year.
In a crowded wide receiver room, whoever can excel in the third phase will earn their spot, and it’ll help shape the Vikings roster this year and in the future.