Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison make up a strong wide receiver pair for the Minnesota Vikings, but K.J. Osborn’s departure in free agency has left a gap in the No. 3 receiver position. The Vikings have a few potential options to fill this spot, including Jalen Nailor and Trent Sherfield. However, it appears that Brandon Powell, a veteran receiver, has been getting the most reps with the starters and is currently leading the competition for the third receiver spot.Powell, a member of the 2021 Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams, caught 29 passes for 344 yards and one touchdown for the Vikings last season. He was on the field for 36% of offensive plays and 17% of special teams plays. Osborn, on the other hand, has seen a significant increase in playing time, with at least 75% of offensive snaps in the last two seasons and 68% the year before. Powell, who is 29 years old and re-signed with the Vikings in March on a one-year, $2 million contract, will face a challenge to increase his playing time. This contract makes him the third-highest cap hit among the team’s receivers, behind only Jefferson and Addison.Powell made some notable contributions for the Vikings last season, with at least three catches and 30 yards in a game six times and crossing the 40-yard mark four times. In a standout performance, he had 64 yards from four catches in a Week 7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, which were season highs for him. Last season was Powell’s most successful in his professional career, as he took on a larger role due to Jefferson’s absence because of a hamstring injury. A potential switch at quarterback may lead to a greater focus on the running game, which might reduce Powell’s playing time. The Vikings were already deploying three-receiver sets moderately often. With Sam Darnold as the presumed starting quarterback heading into training camp, he could benefit from continuing this trend.
