The Minnesota Vikings are entering training camp with uncertainty at the wide receiver position. They have secured their top two receivers, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, following Jefferson’s contract extension earlier in June, which is crucial for the development of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
However, the Vikings have a significant gap to fill after losing K.J. Osborn, their former WR3, who signed with the New England Patriots. As Alec Lewis from The Athletic notes, the team hasn’t yet found a replacement to create space for Jefferson and Addison.
The Vikings urgently need a third wide receiver.
Lewis suggests the Vikings might trade for a wide receiver before training camp starts. He identifies Robert Woods and Noah Brown from the Houston Texans as potential trade targets.
The Vikings have limited trade assets.
They possess only two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft: a first-round and a fifth-round pick. It’s unlikely they would trade these, so they might look at picks from 2026 or later. Additionally, the Vikings have already committed conditional sixth and seventh-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Los Angeles Rams. Acquiring Woods might require trading their fifth-round pick.
Adding a veteran receiver like Woods, with 663 receptions, 8,030 yards, and 38 touchdowns in his career, would enhance the Vikings’ offense and support Sam Darnold. Woods would be a considerable upgrade over Osborn.
For the Texans, trading Woods would yield valuable draft capital, which could be used to support their long-term goals, particularly with quarterback C.J. Stroud potentially seeking a contract extension in the 2026 offseason.