Vikings Explore Veteran WR Trade Amid Addison Suspension & Injury Crisis

Vikings Desperately Need Veteran WR Help as Suspension and Injuries Devastate Depth Chart

The Minnesota Vikings are facing a nightmare scenario at wide receiver heading into the 2025 season. What was supposed to be a strength has quickly become the team’s most glaring weakness, with a perfect storm of suspensions and injuries decimating their receiving corps. Now, with their depth chart in shambles, Minnesota is scrambling to find veteran help from other teams.

The Damage Report: A Receiving Corps in Crisis

The Vikings’ wide receiver room has been hit harder than a Minneapolis winter, and the casualties are mounting:

Jordan Addison will miss the first three games of the season after being suspended for a DUI-related offense. Losing your WR2 for nearly a month is never ideal, but it’s just the beginning of Minnesota’s problems.

Rondale Moore is done for the year after suffering a devastating knee injury during preseason action. The speedy slot receiver was expected to provide depth and versatility, but now he’s another name crossed off the depth chart.

Jalen Nailor remains week-to-week with a hand injury he picked up during joint practices. While not as severe as the others, it’s another blow to an already thin position group.

The one bright spot? Justin Jefferson is back at practice after dealing with a hamstring strain and should be ready for Week 1. However, even the All-Pro wideout may see limited snaps initially as he works his way back to full strength.

When your entire receiving corps’ health depends on one player staying upright, you know you’re in trouble.

Trade Targets: Who Could Save the Vikings’ Season?

With desperation setting in, Minnesota’s front office is reportedly working the phones, exploring veteran options to patch together a functional receiving unit. Here are the names making the rounds:

The Homecoming King: Adam Thielen

At 35, Adam Thielen might seem like a reach, but he makes perfect sense for multiple reasons. The Vikings legend knows the offense inside and out, has an established relationship with coach Kevin O’Connell, and could serve as a mentor for rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Sometimes, familiarity trumps age.

The Red Zone Threat: Allen Lazard

Standing 6’5”, Allen Lazard would instantly become the Vikings’ biggest receiving threat near the goal line. Currently buried on the Jets’ depth chart, he could be available if New York is willing to deal. His size alone would give Minnesota’s offense a new dimension they currently lack.

The Wild Cards

Mitchell Tinsley has been turning heads in Cincinnati’s preseason, showing the kind of upside that makes front offices take notice. He’s young, hungry, and could be had without breaking the bank.

The pipe dream scenarios include Tyreek Hill and Terry McLaurin – elite talents who would transform the offense overnight. However, both would likely cost more than Minnesota can afford, especially given Hill’s massive contract and McLaurin’s contract situation in Washington.

Kendrick Bourne represents the low-risk option. His role in New England has diminished, making him potentially available as a serviceable veteran who won’t cost much but could provide steady hands when needed.

The Bottom Line

The Vikings find themselves in an unenviable position – relying almost entirely on Justin Jefferson while hoping to cobble together help from the scraps of other teams’ rosters. It’s not exactly the recipe for offensive success that Kevin O’Connell was hoping for.

With the regular season fast approaching, Minnesota’s front office is racing against time to find solutions. Whether they can land a difference-maker or simply find bodies to fill roster spots could determine whether this season becomes a success story or a cautionary tale about the importance of depth.

One thing’s certain: Vikings fans better hope Jefferson stays healthy, because right now, he’s pretty much the entire show.