Why The Minnesota Vikings Shouldn't Trade WR Jauan Jennings

The Minnesota Vikings come out of the bye week hoping the week off provided answers for their sluggish offense. The defense has been the best in the league through six weeks. The offense is performing below last season's pace. The week off allows a reset for the players and, more importantly, head coach Kevin O'Connell to find answers. The offense can't continue this way if the team intends to make a deep playoff run in 2026.

Talent isn't the issue for the Vikings. Aaron Jones and the returning Jordan Mason are a fine running back tandem. When healthy, T.J. Hockenson is still very productive. Let's not forget Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Kyler Murray is talented, but is still struggling with consistency. The hope is the bye week irons out any issues and the team can start rolling.

What about the free agent signing of Jauan Jennings?

A few things are true. One, the offense isn't operating efficiently. Two, Jennings is having a hard time settling into his new role. Three, the rapport between Jennings and Murray isn't there and finally, the receiver has been open but hasn't gotten the football leading to the receivers visible frustration against New Orleans. 

Jennings name has surfaced in many trade rumors including sending the receiver back to San Francisco for a late round pick. Here's the thing: trading Jennings would be a mistake. The receiver depth behind Jennings is anything but inspiring. No disrespect to Tai Felton and Myles Price, but neither player will keep opposing defenses and coordinators up late at night.

Now, Jennings isn't exactly a game changer and it is concerning that in a season where Jefferson and Addison have missed games, the receiver still can't get involved. Given the depth and the team's aspirations, how can you move away from Jennings? Addison is still an injury risk and the depth chart behind him isn't moving the needle.

The bye week gives Jennings a chance to clear his head and hopefully the week off will help him get in the flow. Trading away a proven receiver who has been in the biggest games with the offense still up and down feels counter productive. Keep trying to acclimate the receiver into the offense. 

The NFL is about the war of attrition. The team with the best injury luck usually ends up playing in the biggest games in January. Removing a receiver isn't wise. The trade deadline is November 10th. If Jennings wants out, then that is a different story. The Vikings shouldn't be looking to get rid of him.