The Minnesota Vikings are signing veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. One of the most eyebrow-raising moves we’ve seen in a while. Minnesota is 4-0 behind an impressive defense, but despite having Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jawan Jennings, the team is struggling to move the ball through the air. This makes adding OBJ a very curious move, and it could mean big guesses down the road.
This time, Kyler Murray’s attempt did not go well for the Vikings. Murray took care of the ball against the Dolphins in Week 4, but failed to throw for a touchdown against Miami’s formidable secondary – with his longest pass being a 27-yard completion and over-reliance on tight end TJ Hockenson to move the chains.
What Minnesota needs right now is a go-to quarterback. Beckham Jr. has little left on the tires, but it’s hard to see how he can help the Vikings’ passing game get better unless this is part of a bigger move.
It’s no surprise that No. 2 receiver Jordan Addison has been a thorn in Minnesota’s side, despite his ridiculous talent. The former 1st-round pick undoubtedly flashed 1,000-yard receiver potential on the field during his rookie year — but since then, off-field issues and quarterback instability have made him an afterthought in the offense. If we put on our GM hats, things will get interesting because there are two competing teams. Really Now they need receiver help, and both have backup quarterbacks that would be tempting for the Vikings to make a deal.
First there is San Francisco 49ers. With Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk on IR, the team has no one who can stretch the field vertically. Their trio of weapons now starts with tight end George Kittle, and both Mike Evans and Debo Samuel are top receivers this season in their careers. The ability to add a downfield threat will help bulk up the Niners’ offense, open up more options for Brock Purdy, and ensure that teams can’t rely on shallow safeties to take their short-to-intermediate routes.
Addison proved last season that he still has the potential to start in the NFL, which could be a remarkable turnaround for Mack Jones. The Vikings may be upset that they dealt a starting receiver to another NFC team, but if it means adjusting their QB position, it might be a good one.
The other group is concerned. Kansas City Chiefs. Tyquan Thornton’s injury last week has opened the door for the team to add another pass catcher with Rushie Rice battling a hamstring injury. This is a tougher trade for Minnesota, but Casey Justin Fields is sitting on the bench. Field has been an inconsistent QB throughout his career, but the 27-year-old has enough skill and a decent arm. at last Unlock Justin Jefferson this season, which hasn’t been done up to this point.
In any case, adding OBJ to the Vikings is simply adding some depth and trying to rotate their receiving corps, Beckham Jr. is familiar with Sean McVay’s offense led by Kevin O’Connell. Still, it’s enough to give a receiver-loaded team pause when another one is added, and imagine what might happen if this is the first domino to fall.