The Minnesota Vikings were a playoff team last season after winning on the final day of the year against the Green Bay Packers, but heading into the offseason the team has a number of needs on the roster, including at the wide receiver position.
The Vikings have been involved in rumors this offseason about the possibility of trading wide receiver Percy Harvin and although management has stated that they are not planning to deal the former Florida star, there is a chance still that it could happen because he has been demanding a new contract.
If the team can't reach an agreement with Harvin, they will have some issues in the passing game and at wide receiver, as they do not have a true number two option and Christian Ponder hasn't panned out yet as an NFL star. In that case, the Vikings may decide to turn to an NFC North rival for help, as Green Bay Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings is set a free agent in March.
According to NFL.com, Jennings is not likely to return to Green Bay, which would give the Vikings a chance to sign him as a free agent. The team has some space to work with when it comes to the salary cap and although there is a chance Jennings may ask for a decent contract, the Vikings could get him at a decent rate if no other team puts up the money.
Even if the Vikings keep Harvin, adding Jennings would create a whole new dynamic for the Vikings offense that was basically one dimensional in 2012 with 2,000-yard rusher Adrian Peterson. The team was ranked second in rushing last season, but was 31st in passing with just 171 yards per game. Adding a solid receiver like Jennings to line up with Harvin would open things up for Peterson and also help Ponder to develop.
Jennings was injured for most of last season and saw his production diminish, but he previously was one of the most consistent receivers in the league and he helped the Packers win the Super Bowl two years ago.
Jennings played in just eight games while dealing with a groin injury and made just 36 catches for 366 yards and four touchdowns, which was a big step down from 2011 when he had 67 catches for 949 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games. Jennings had three straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2008 to 2010 and had a career high 12 touchdowns in 2010.
If The Vikings don't work out, the Dolphins also could be an option due to the fact that they need another receiver and that Jennings' former coach Joe Philbin is in Miami. He also could be able to work with a young, talented quarterback in Ryan Tannehill.
"In fact, one possibility for Jennings is going to (the Miami Dolphins) to play for his old (offensive coordinator), Joe Philbin," Rapoport said on NFL.com.
