NFL Rumors: What are the Vikings' latest hopes of landing Lamar Jackson or Odell Beckham Jr.?
The Minnesota Vikings have hopes of competing in 2023, but could they do so with Odell Beckham Jr. or Lamar Jackson in their roster?
The Vikings have been linked to both superstars at different points of the offseason and with the draft approaching, it could be time to put those plans into action.
Lamar Jackson
The initial spark between the Vikings and Jackson came almost a week ago when ESPN's Jeremy Fowler mentioned that Minnesota could be "a wild card" to sign Jackson to an offer sheet.
Like a majority of Jackson's pursuit of a new contract, developments have come at a snail's pace. But Fowler made headlines once again during an appearance on SportsCenter Saturday morning when he mentioned that the former MVP "is open to a change of scenery" after the Ravens used the non-exclusive franchise tag on him.
The tag not only pays him $32 million, which is lower than the $45 million he would have been paid if he were on the exclusive franchise tag, but it also allows him to negotiate with other teams, who can sign him to an offer sheet and acquire Jackson for two first-round picks.
The Ravens have the right to match any offer sheet, however, and Fowler notes that Baltimore has told prospective free agent signings that they would like to keep Jackson.
Fowler also reported that no team has made an offer to Jackson but that could heat up in the weeks leading up to the draft. He says the Colts are a team to watch if they can't get the quarterback they want with the fourth overall pick.
Jackson's courtship of a new contract has also taken some twists and turns as the NFL sent out a memo warning teams about a man who is not a certified agent negotiating on Jackson's behalf.
The Vikings are entering the final year of Kirk Cousins contract and are doing their due diligence at the position heading into the draft. Either way, Jackson's presumed availability should continue to be a hot topic in the weeks leading up to the draft.
Odell Beckham Jr.
The Vikings have been connected with Beckham since November as the free agent receiver rehabs from a knee injury, and were one of 12 teams to watch his private workout earlier this month.
Despite any interest, it appears that the New York Jets are the front runners to sign Beckham as Fowler noted there is mutual interest between the team and the 30-year-old.
"That feels real right now but nothing has progressed to a deal," Fowler said. "...They feel like he's still maybe not the player that he was six years ago, but he can help a contender right now."
It's curious to wonder if Beckham's decision could be linked to the Jets' negotiations on an Aaron Rodgers trade, but the Vikings could also be an intriguing destination.
Beckham spent time with Kevin O'Connell while he was an offensive coordinator for the 2021 Los Angeles Rams and has a connection with fellow LSU alum Justin Jefferson.
With Beckham denying a report that he was seeking $20 million a year in his next contract, the Vikings could be a soft landing spot for a one-year deal if they can fit it under the salary cap. It just matters where the three-time Pro Bowler wants to sign.
