The Minnesota Vikings are looking at the veteran free agent market to fill the WR3 role that’s vacant after the departure of Jalen Nailor to the Las Vegas Raiders. Recently, Minnesota hosted free agent Jauan Jennings on a visit, but no deal occurred.
As a result, could the Vikings be looking at other veteran wide receivers to fill this need for the 2026 NFL season? Vikings on SI’s Jonathan Harrison shared three names that Minnesota could consider, and one of them has experience in the NFC North: Keenan Allen.
“Allen’s last foray into the NFC North didn’t go to plan, lasting just one season with the Chicago Bears,” Harrison wrote in his April 30 article. “After returning to the Chargers in 2025, Allen is back on the market as a still-productive 34-year-old. Allen is certainly on the older side for a receiver, but last season he proved he still can be an option, catching 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns.
“With Jefferson and Addison already in the receiver room, the Vikings wouldn’t need Allen to be the No. 1 guy. He could come in and be a mentor to Addison, Felton, and the rest of the young receivers already in the building, while giving Minnesota a big-bodied target over the middle and in the red zone.”
Allen spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, but aside from that, he’s spent his entire NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Could Deebo Samuel Make Sense for Minnesota?
Nonetheless, other options are floating in the speculation. PFF’s Bradley Locker recently wrote that one potential name that could be a fit for the Vikings is Deebo Samuel.
“The Vikings put an emphasis on retooling their impressive defense in the draft, grabbing Caleb Banks, Jake Golday and Domonique Orange with their first three picks,” Locker wrote in his April 30 article. “However, Minnesota could use more at receiver after losing Jalen Nailor to the Raiders.
“Samuel’s effectiveness has taken a step back over the last two campaigns, but he still finished 2025 with a 70.3 PFF receiving grade and 1.66 yards per route run. Further, Samuel’s 6.5 yards after the catch per reception was fourth among wideouts with 95 or more targets.
“Next to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Samuel could help fill Nailor’s void in the slot while infusing more juice after the catch and overall creativity for Kevin O’Connell.”
Vikings Insider Gives Clear Update on Jauan Jennings’ Visit
Meanwhile, Jennings’ visit with the Vikings lasted from April 28 to April 29, as Minnesota begins looking at options to fill the WR3 role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
As a result, Alec Lewis of The Athletic shared details on what was likely happening during Jennings’ time in the facilities.
“That visit was always kind of an exploratory type of feel, “ Lewis said on the April 30 edition of “The Alec Lewis Show.” “It was never billed as ‘Jauan Jennings is coming here, it’s signing, done deal, over with and done for. ‘It was always more of a, ‘Hey, you come meet us.
“We’re going to spend time with you, see where you’re at, talk through everything, fit, role, what we’re about, what this building is about, and then, obviously, some of the financial ideas with where both sides stand.'”
Vikings Land Compelling Free Agent Take on Ex-Bears Wideout