Vikings' Biggest Weakness Suddenly Opens the Door for an Unexpected Reunion
The Minnesota Vikings came into 2025 with legitimate playoff hopes, yet finished 9-8 due in large part to an inconsistent season from quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy, the Vikings’ 10th overall pick in 2024, showed flashes in his first full season as the starter, but the team finished near the bottom of the NFL in passing offense, averaging just 166.7 passing yards per game while missing the postseason for the first time since 2023.
Despite the struggles, Justin Jefferson still topped 1,000 receiving yards for a sixth straight season and remained the centerpiece of the offense, while Jordan Addison continued developing into a dangerous secondary option.
The bigger concern is what comes after those two.
Minnesota currently lacks proven depth at wide receiver, with second-year player Tai Felton projected into the WR3 role after recording just three catches as a rookie.
Jalen Nailor signed with Las Vegas in the offseason, and the franchise didn’t add any wideouts in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As a result, ESPN's Aaron Schatz recently identified receiver depth as Minnesota's biggest remaining roster hole, specifically pointing to the need for a veteran addition.
And now, the idea of reuniting with Stefon Diggs suddenly feels realistic.
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Diggs built one of the most productive careers of any receiver from his generation.
A fifth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, Diggs developed from a late-round steal into a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, and NFL receptions and receiving yards leader in 2020.
Across stints with Minnesota, Buffalo, Houston, and New England, he has totaled 942 receptions, 11,504 receiving yards, and 74 touchdowns.
Diggs first became a star in Minnesota, highlighted by the iconic "Minneapolis Miracle" touchdown during the 2017 playoffs, before being traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2020.
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He spent the 2025 season with the New England Patriots after signing a major free-agent deal and delivered another productive year with 85 catches, 1,013 yards, and four touchdowns while helping New England reach Super Bowl LX.
Despite the strong production, the Patriots released Diggs in March 2026 in a surprising offseason cost-cutting move, immediately making him one of the most intriguing veteran receivers available on the market.
Diggs has never been the biggest receiver on the field, but few players separate from defenders as cleanly as he does. Even entering his age-32 season, Diggs remains one of the NFL's sharpest route runners, thriving with precise timing, quick releases, and elite body control in short and intermediate areas.
During his 2025 season with New England, he still topped 1,000 receiving yards while consistently moving the chains on third down and working effectively both outside and in the slot.
That skill set fits exactly what Minnesota currently lacks.
Justin Jefferson is the defense-breaking superstar, while Jordan Addison stretches the field vertically. What the Vikings need is another reliable veteran who can punish single coverage, create easy completions for incoming starter Kyler Murray, and keep defenses from overcommitting to Jefferson.
Diggs would instantly stabilize the WR3 role while giving Minnesota one of the NFL's deepest receiving groups.
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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 1:38 PM.