News Article
Published
Oct 12, 2026 at 08:12 PM EDT
The Minnesota Vikings could consider adding another big-name wide receiver.
Last week, the Vikings signed Odell Beckham Jr. to the practice squad amid injuries to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
They're still exploring more receiving options, as The Ringer's Tom Pelissero reported that the team worked out JuJu Smith-Schuster on Monday.
Smith-Schuster looked like one of the NFL's biggest rising stars when he collected 111 catches for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns in his second season. The 2018 Pro Bowler hasn't delivered another 1,000-yard campaign, and he's scored seven touchdowns over the last five seasons.
After five seasons with the Steelers, Smith-Schuster won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. He spent one season with the New England Patriots before returning to Kansas City, where he recorded 345 receiving yards last season.
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The New York Giants signed Smith-Schuster to a one-year deal in the offseason but released him in August before giving an active roster spot to Beckham. However, they cut the franchise icon after he went three games without a catch.
Minnesota signed Beckham and elevated him to the practice squad for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. The former LSU star didn't see the field in a 23-13 victory.
After missing Week 4 with an ankle injury, Jefferson returned to submit 79 yards and a touchdown at the Superdome. Addison, on the other hand, missed Week 5 with a hamstring injury.
The Vikings rank 29th in passing offense despite starting 5-0, so Kyler Murray can use another explosive target. Having Jefferson and Addison healthy at the same time should certainly help, but they may still benefit from a more reliable ancillary option.
Minnesota has a Week 6 bye before playing the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 25.