Vikings rumors: Justin Jefferson disrespected by former teammate
Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings solidified himself as one of the best wide receivers in the game today, all while being in the league for just three years. In each of those three seasons, Jefferson recorded over 1,000 receiving yards. Last season, Jefferson won the Offensive Player of the Year after leading the league with 128 receptions and 1,809 yards. He could very well be the highest-paid player at his position in the near future.
On Wednesday, Jefferson was the subject of debate. Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark expressed his belief that second-year wideout George Pickens is more talented than Jefferson. It was a take that caused quite an uproar on social media, and it only increased in the passing hours.
Clark's comments went all the way to Steelers training camp. Current cornerback Patrick Peterson, who spent the previous two seasons with the Vikings, was asked by reporters whether he thought Pickens was more talented than Jefferson. Peterson said "I can see it," while also saying that Pickens is "raw." While Peterson did call Jefferson "a savant," he said that based on talent, he has to agree with Clark that Pickens has the advantage.
Pickens is just about to enter his second season in the NFL. After spending his college years at Georgia, the Steelers took a chance on Pickens by using their second-round pick in 2022. As a rookie, Pickens proved to be their most explosive option in the passing game, as evidenced by incredible catches, like his one-hander against the Cleveland Browns.
In 17 games, Pickens recorded 52 receptions for 801 yards and four touchdowns on 84 targets.
The sky is the limit for Pickens, but one year, he is called more talented than Jefferson. Is it too soon? We should find out once Pickens logs more years.
Vikings rumors: Jordan Addison expected to return soon from concussion
This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings released mainstay wide receiver Adam Thielen from his contract. With that, the wide receiver depth took a bit of a dip, so adding some talent via the draft was a no-brainer. So, with the 23rd overall pick, Minnesota selected Jordan Addison out of USC, who was one of the top prospects at his position. Having Addison lining up alongside Jefferson could create quite the one-two punch in the passing game for the Vikings.
Days after playing in his first preseason game, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell announced on Wednesday that Addison was being placed in concussion protocol after picking up light symptoms. However, O'Connell said that they expect Addison will return by Monday.
"Part of a two-minute drill the other day, just kind of making a catch, going to the ground, just had some very, very light symptoms," O'Connell said, h/t Sports Illustrated. "We deemed it worthy to be smart with him. He's currently in the protocol, working his way already through that right now, and expecting to have him as early as potentially Monday."
With this news, that means that Addison will not be playing in the team's game on Saturday against the Tennessee Titans.
Addison participated in the team's preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, where he hauled in one of three targets for 22 yards. The rookie also had a near-catch along the sideline but was ruled incomplete.
The rookie wideout won't be playing on Saturday. It will remain to be seen if he will play in their preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
Vikings rumors: Rookie linebacker fighting for significant playing time
This offseason, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah began to further retool the Minnesota Vikings roster in his image. To free up cap space, the Vikings moved on from various mainstays, one of them being inside linebacker Eric Kendricks. With that, middle linebacker was an area of focus heading into training camp.
One name that has stood out among Vikings fans and the team itself was undrafted rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. Pace spent this past season playing college football at Cincinnati, where he logged 137 combined tackles (60 solo, 65 assisted), 21.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, four passes defended, and three forced fumbles. Now, he is with the Vikings, looking to make it onto the 53-man roster.
In his first preseason game, Pace stood out. He led the team with six tackles, showing his ability to find and get to the ball carrier quickly while being able to get past opposing offensive linemen.
Days later, head coach Kevin O'Connell was asked about Pace's performance this preseason. O'Connell said that Pace is not trying to make the team, but trying to earn some significant playing time.
In training camp, players on the roster bubble are trying to make a good impression on their coaches. So far, Pace has made a hell of an impression on O'Connell, who believes has a legitimate shot to receive some playing time this upcoming season. Pace has the opportunity to further solidify his case this Saturday when the Vikings play the Titans.
