PFF Names Perfect Free Agent for Vikings

Nov 12, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers extensive receiver Deebo Samuel watches motion between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks within the third quarter on the Chase Heart. Necessary Credit score: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Pictures

The Minnesota Vikings most likely want an additional WR3 for the 2026 marketing campaign, and Professional Soccer Focus is aware of simply the man: veteran Deebo Samuel. The wideout curiously hasn’t signed wherever by means of two months of free company, a drought that might finish if PFF’s Bradley Locker will get his means.

Samuel would deliver expertise, versatility, and one other catch-and-run weapon to Minnesota’s offense.

Samuel is 30 years previous and will have a couple of productive seasons left within the tank.

A Veteran Playmaker May Spherical Out the Vikings’ WR Room

Would you endorse Samuel to Minnesota?

Washington Commanders extensive receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. secures a scoring catch in stride, with Oct 5, 2025 set at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood as he finishes a landing towards the Chargers throughout second-half motion, highlighting his playmaking means and impression in open area throughout a key highway matchup. Necessary Credit score: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Pictures

PFF: Vikings Ought to Signal Samuel

Locker sized up the NFL’s 1o greatest free brokers on the open market final week and the place they need to land. On Samuel, he picked the Vikings and wrote, “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.”

“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.”

The Vikings didn’t draft any receivers final month regardless of a widespread expectation for them to take action.

Locker added, “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.”

The Profession Output

Samuel actually has the profession numbers for Minnesota’s WR3 job. Right here’s his receiving resume since turning professional in 2019:

2025: (WAS) 72 Rec | 727 Yds | 5 TDs2024: (SF) 51 Rec | 670 Yds | 3 TDs2023: (SF) 60 Rec | 892 Yds | 7 TDs2022: (SF) 56 Rec | 632 Yds | 2 TDs2021: (SF) 77 Rec | 1,405 Yds | 6 TDs2020: (SF) 33 Rec | 391 Yds | 1 TD2019: (SF) 57 Rec | 802 Yds | 3 TDs

Samuel, too, is understood for his versatility, capable of run the soccer as a tailback higher than most extensive receivers. In seven seasons, he’s tabulated over 1,200 speeding yards and 21 speeding touchdowns. His pace isn’t fairly the identical as of late, however the Vikings might nonetheless get inventive with him.

Would-Be WR Corps

Suppose Minnesota runs with PFF’s concept, including Samuel from free company. Earlier than coaching camp, the WR depth chart would appear to be this:

WR1: Justin JeffersonWR2: Jordan AddisonWR3: Deebo SamuelWR4: Tai FeltonWR5: Myles PriceWR6: Jeshaun JonesWR7: Dontae FlemingWR8: Joaquin DavisWR9: Dillon BellWR10: Luke WysongWR11: Marcus SandersWR12: Shaleak Knotts

Jefferson-Addison-Samuel would type one of many NFL’s prime WR3 trios, and few would debate it. Actually, Samuel’s manufacturing from final yr in Washington — 72 catches, 727 yards, and 5 TDs — could be simply what the physician ordered in O’Connell’s offense, even dwarfing Nailor’s 2025 marketing campaign, when he banked 444 receiving yards.

San Francisco 49ers extensive receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. breaks free downfield for a protracted rating, with Oct 10, 2024 positioned at Lumen Subject in Seattle as he outruns defenders on a 76-yard landing towards the Seahawks, showcasing explosive pace and run-after-catch means throughout first-half motion. Necessary Credit score: Steven Bisig-Imagn Pictures

Our Janik Eckart on the prospect of Samuel to Minnesota: “Samuel has been an outstanding after-the-catch player in the NFL, something the Vikings have lacked in recent years. Sure, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison can run with the ball in their hands, but they are far too valuable down the field. Samuel, meanwhile, excels in the short passing game.”

“That could be attractive for the Vikings, especially with Kyler Murray under center, whose short passing rate has been off the charts. His asking price could be a challenge for the Vikings, though. While his athleticism has declined, he might still view himself as a WR2 in the league and the Vikings wouldn’t offer a groundbreaking salary for someone who’d be third in their WR hierarchy. The Jennings sweepstakes might present a comparable problem.”

Hold an Eye on the Different Ex-49ers WRs

Minnesota wants a WR3; that’s not a controversial take, until it loves Felton, who barely performed as a rookie in 2025. It’s a secure guess to imagine that interim common supervisor Rob Brzezinski will find yourself with a wideout who used to play for the 49ers:

Brandon Aiyuk

Jauan Jennings

Deebo Samuel

San Francisco desires to commerce Aiyuk, most likely after June 1st, when the monetary ache will diminish. He’s arguably the most suitable choice of the three. Jennings met with the Vikings’ brass final week, although no contract got here collectively.

San Francisco 49ers extensive receiver Deebo Samuel reacts throughout reside recreation motion, with Dec 19, 2021 centered at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara as he reveals emotion within the third quarter towards the Falcons, capturing depth and engagement throughout a house efficiency late within the common season. Necessary Credit score: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports activities.

After which there’s Samuel, whom PFF has nominated because the wisest match.

Samuel will flip 31 throughout the 2026 playoffs. His start identify is Tyshun Raequan.