NFC Contender May Sign Former First-Round Playmaker

NFC contender the Minnesota Vikings may sign former first-round playmaker and former Denver Bronco wide receiver, Phillip Dorsett. According to a source, they’re urging that Minnesota should add the Miami product to replace K.J. Osborn who signed with the New England Patriots this offseason. Dorsett was the No. 29 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft and could emerge as a deep threat for the No. 3 spot on the team. A source said that a slot receiver is the biggest need entering this year’s training camp.

They have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as two reliable starters but the players after that aren’t dependable. Brandon Powell is likely the starting slot receiver but there are a lot of unknown names on the depth chart that doesn’t seem promising. The Vikings are a perfect fit to sign a wide receiver free agent despite the market thinning out. Dorsett hasn’t caught a ball in the 2023 campaign but the Vikings can bring him in to prove his skills.

However, he became a journeyman throughout his career, spending his time with the Patriots, Jaguars, Seahawks, Texans, Raiders and Broncos. Dorsett never had the opportunity to be on a starting roster for one full season, rather was a practice squad player. He was able to notch 151 receptions for 2,001 yards and 12 touchdowns across 94 career games and 20 starts. Dorsett was also a Super Bowl champion with the Patriots in 2018, notching a few touchdowns in the playoffs that season.

He isn’t going to improve the roster overnight but his experience and having six games under his belt shows he can play under pressure. Dorsett doesn’t need to show a lot of production for the Vikings’ No. 3 role since T.J. Hockenson could cover that role.

NFC Contender Minnesota Vikings May Sign Former First-Round Playmaker Phillip Dorsett

How He Fits

The Vikings don’t look to be done assembling their talent to get the most out of their players this season. The depth has been questionable for the team since the only two reliable receivers are Jefferson and Addison. It doesn’t sound promising for incoming quarterback, J.J. McCarthy who will be looking to find more targets when he leads the snap. However, the main concern is the backline of the receiver depth that the Vikings don’t have.

They still need to extend their star receiver, Jefferson to a long-term deal but there hasn’t been anything getting done. It wouldn’t be shocking if the team adds another pass-catcher considering that the Vikings haven’t got a contract done with Jefferson. Dorsett could get a larger role if Minnesota does decide to trade Jefferson if they won’t pay him. However, the contract talks are stalling and the players are getting younger and inexperienced.

This means it gives the Vikings time to get a proven veteran in case they aren’t able to reach a deal with Jefferson. However, Dorsett isn’t the only receiver available, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mecole Hardman and Michael Thomas are other options. They’re likely to get a better deal than Dorsett but here are some potential destinations for him.

Potential Destinations

If any team needs a receiver, it’s the New Orleans Saints. The loss of Michael Thomas shows that they need a reliable veteran to pair with Chris Olave in the slot. They weren’t able to get a wideout until the fifth round of this year’s draft. Dorsett is available for cheap so it wouldn’t be the worst idea for them. Another destination that makes sense is teaming up with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to potentially add a Super Bowl ring.

The Rashee Rice situation doesn’t look good so adding a cheap option like Dorsett is available to pair with Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy and Kadarius Toney. One final fit that can add some excitement to Dorsett’s journey is building an offensive power of receivers with Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers. It would give Lamar Jackson full control with the weapons they’re building to take control of the AFC.