Andrew Buller-Russ
While there was plenty of outside criticism, especially after ‘reaching’ for defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick, the Minnesota Vikings are happy with the results of their 2026 NFL Draft class. However, that doesn’t mean all their needs were addressed with the nine selections they made.
One noticeable absence was the fact that the Vikings didn’t select any wide receivers. That came as a surprise after the team let last year’s WR3, Jalen Nailor, sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. His presumed replacement, last year’s third-round pick Tai Felton, had just 25 yards as a rookie.
Yet, the Vikings cleared some extra cap space with the Jonathan Greenard trade, and now they’re trying to use some of it to address arguably one of their biggest needs.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Vikings are hosting free agent receiver Jauan Jennings for a visit from Tuesday to Wednesday. By setting a two-day meeting, it’s clear the Vikings are putting the full-court press on, trying to get Jennings inked to a contract before he leaves team facilities on Wednesday.
Jennings recorded a career-high 77 receptions for 965 yards with six touchdowns in 2024. Expected to build upon those strong numbers, the 28-year-old receiver’s numbers declined in 2025, where he recorded 55 receptions for 643 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns.
However, when he reached free agency, Jennings didn’t find the market he would have preferred. Perhaps his asking price was a bit high.
Now that teams have addressed their most pressing needs in free agency and through the draft, Jennings’ options have dried up, and he’ll surely have to lower his asking price.
The 6-foot-3, 212-pound receiver should have an easy transition to learning Kevin O’Connell’s offense, being that he just spent five seasons mastering Kyle Shanahan’s system. He’d also add a unique element to the team’s receiver room, bringing more size to the table.
If he signs, Jennings would immediately become the team’s new No. 3 receiver, slotting in behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, and he’d give Kyler Murray another reliable pass-catcher to target in the red zone.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Had One of NFL’s ‘Worst’ Draft Classes
