Vikings target Jauan Jennings leaves without a deal. A former 49ers receiver, his availability highlights Minnesota's persistent search for a dynamic WR3.
The Minnesota Vikings have been active in their pursuit of a third receiver since the NFL draft concluded last weekend. The latest target was former San Francisco 49ers receiver Jauan Jennings.
Jennings reportedly visited with Minnesota on Tuesday and Wednesday but came and left without a contract with the team. The Vikings let him leave the meetings unsigned. Even so, that much probably should not surprise us.
Jennings appeared to be in search of a bigger contract than the 49ers were willing to pay. And given that Minnesota owes plenty of their allotted salary cap money to wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in addition to a significant contract to T.J. Hockenson, there is some concern that the Vikings could even afford the talented player.
Dustin Baker of Vikings Territory discussed the Vikings' pursuit of Jennings and their need for a third receiver target with reliable playmaking ability. Here's what Baker had to say on the topic.
"Minnesota did not select a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite extensive pre-draft analysis of the class. This raised questions about the team’s WR3 position, especially given Jalen Nailor’s departure for Las Vegas and Tai Felton’s uncertain status.
While Rob Brzezinski signed Georgia’s Dillon Bell as an undrafted free agent, this move didn’t signal an urgent need at the position.
The decision to forego a receiver in the draft suggests a different strategy, implying Minnesota already has a different plan for WR3. That may be Jennings. He’s exactly what Kevin O’Connell seeks in a WR3: physical, detail-oriented, and a consistently willing run blocker — qualities that often lead to longevity in the league.
Moreover, he’s an ideal schematic fit, having played in Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco system, which shares significant overlap with O’Connell’s offense."
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) celebrates his touchdown pass with quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Wild Card Round. Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesThere is still time for the Vikings to sign a player like Jennings or someone else. Jennings is playing the long game and betting on himself for now, but the Vikings are doing the same. Given that new quarterback Kyler Murray throws often to tight ends, perhaps we are overestimating how badly the Vikings need to add a wide receiver.
What seems clear is that Minnesota is aware of the potential need and aiming to address it. Whether or not they make it happen with Jennings is still to be seen. The team will look to find that third option over the next couple of months.