By extending Justin Jefferson this week, the Minnesota Vikings cleared almost $11 million in salary space, freeing up additional cash to increase the team’s chances of making the playoffs in 2024.
Ryan Heckman of The Viking Age suggests that the Vikings sign Robert Woods, a former wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams.
Woods, who is signed to a two-year, $15.3 million contract with the Houston Texans, is a trade or roster-cut candidate. The Texans may phase out Woods and preserve at least $5 million in cap space for the 2024 season by selecting Stefon Diggs to lead a loaded wide receivers group that includes Tank Dell and Nico Collins.
Heckman stated in a story published on June 5 that the Texans “will likely part ways with veteran Robert Woods, who, at this point in his career, is the perfect candidate for this type of job behind Jefferson and Jordan Addison.” “Vikings should be in on him whether the Texans find a trade partner or he gets released.”
Before Kevin O’Connell went to become head coach of the Vikings, Woods played under him for two seasons in Los Angeles, including their 2021 Super Bowl title season. Woods would be a perfect match in O’Connell’s offense given his five years of experience playing for Sean McVay.
Woods is in the latter stages of his career at the age of 32. After 40 receptions for 426 yards and a touchdown last year, his output has decreased.
Nevertheless, given his wide range of abilities and the Vikings’ objectives for the 2024 campaign, he can still succeed in his role as the team’s third wide receiver.
Robert Woods is a Perfect Fit for the Vikings’ 2024 Offense Plans
Even though Woods’s receiving ability has decreased, the Vikings offense can still make the necessary change without him having to play at his best.
The Vikings have known for two offseasons that they need to strengthen their running game, but despite their best efforts, they have not been able to do it, in part because of a lack of talent.
While Woods may play a significant role in supporting the running game in 2024, Aaron Jones is the team’s greatest asset.
O’Connell usually uses 11 players (three wide receiver sets) on third down, which increases the likelihood of a pass. But the Vikings can be more successful with a changeup by running if they have receivers who are capable of blocking runs.
The ability of Woods to change the run game in 11 personnel was highlighted by Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus when Woods inked his four-year, $65 million agreement with the Rams in 2020.
Woods was PFF’s top wide receiver for run blocking at the end of the 2021 campaign. While he won’t be able to completely change the running game on his own, he can provide another small benefit for a team effort in the running game and may be more suited to do grunt labor than Addison, an undersized wide receiver.
Woods should remain in the Vikings’ sights.
Given the more significant requirements of the position, it’s true that highlighting a receiver’s run-blocking prowess isn’t the best idea.
At this point in his career, Woods could benefit from a change of scenery and a coach who is aware of his strengths.
Wide receivers have been used all over the field by the Vikings under O’Connell, so any receiver who wishes to see the field will need to be adaptable.
With the Rams, where he amassed 367 receptions for 4,626 yards receiving and 23 touchdowns in five seasons, Woods was the model player for that kind of role.
Woods’ output has fluctuated, but given that T.J. Hockenson is the offense’s productive No. 2 target, he can still be a safe fourth option in the passing game.
Although acquiring Woods’ salary through a trade with the Texans would not be a wise use of the Vikings’ cap money, if the Texans release him, signing him off waivers to a veteran minimum contract would have substantial upside.
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