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Former Vikings RB Is Available Again

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Cam Akers tackled by multiple Packers defenders during Vikings game
Cam Akers fights for extra yardage as multiple Green Bay defenders converge, absorbing contact during a physical run for the Minnesota Vikings on Oct 29, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. The running back, wearing No. 31, is wrapped up by Kenny Clark, Rashan Gary, and De’Vondre Campbell on the play. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports.

There’s a familiar joke among Minnesota Vikings fans — at which point on the calendar will the team sign running back Cam Akers? And thanks to the Seattle Seahawks, that joke will be alive and well this spring and summer.

Minnesota knows Akers well, but its current RB room makes another reunion less urgent.

Seattle dumped Akers on Monday, two days after the NFL draft.

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Akers Returns to the Open Market

Yes, the Vikings can now sign Akers if they’re in the mood.

Cam Akers lines up during a Vikings playoff game against the Rams at State Farm Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (27) lines up against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card clash at State Farm Stadium, with Jan. 13, 2025 marking the postseason stage as he faces his former team. The moment reflects Akers’ continued role in Minnesota’s backfield during high-stakes playoff action. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Akers Out in SEA

That’s it for Akers in Emerald City, at least for now. Seattle Times‘s Bob Condotta wrote Monday, “The Seahawks released veteran running back Cam Akers on Monday in the wake of selecting Jadarian Price in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday. Akers, a seven-year NFL veteran, signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad last November after an injury to George Holani.”

“He played in three regular-season games and in the NFC title game win over the Rams without getting a carry. He had two kickoff returns for 54 yards in a late-season win at Carolina. The release of Akers leaves the Seahawks with six running backs on the roster — Price, Zach Charbonnet, Holani, Kenny McIntosh, Jacardia Wright and free agent signee Emanuel Wilson.”

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Akers will now bide his time for his next NFL team, with the Vikings obviously being a possible landing spot because of their ardor for the man.

Making Room for Price & Akers’s Career Bio

Draft heads projected Price as a 2nd-Rounder, but with so few urgent roster needs, the Seahawks splurged on him, a wise choice, given Charbonnet’s late-season injury in 2025. Price figures to pull down an RB1 or RB2 workload sooner rather than later, and with that upcoming, there’s evidently no room on the 90-man roster for Akers.

Once a promising second-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020, Akers has experienced significant movement in recent seasons, notably including the multiple stints with Minnesota. One of these was very brief in 2025, where he played only eight offensive snaps and seven on special teams.

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His comprehensive NFL journey, including recent stops in Minnesota, is as follows:

  • Los Angeles Rams (2020–2023)
  • Minnesota Vikings (2023)
  • Houston Texans (2024)
  • Minnesota Vikings (2024)
  • New Orleans Saints (2025)
  • Minnesota Vikings (2025)
  • Seattle Seahawks (2025)

At 26, Akers has accumulated 2,044 rushing yards on 507 carries (4.0 yards per attempt) and 17 total touchdowns over six seasons, along with 52 receptions for 388 receiving yards. His durability, however, is particularly remarkable. While two Achilles tears typically end a running back’s career, Akers has consistently battled back to secure a spot on NFL rosters.

The Vikings’ Current RB Setup

Do the Vikings need Akers? They do not. But in years past, Akers didn’t necessarily feel like a priority either, and he somehow found his way onto the roster. Here’s the current RB room in Minnesota after the draft:

RB1: Aaron Jones
RB2: Jordan Mason
RB3: Demond Claibonre
RB4: Zavier Scott
RB5: Kejon Owens

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Theoretically, if Akers landed in Minnesota again soon, he’d hope to snatch the RB4 job from Scott because Jones, Mason, and Claiborne probably aren’t going anywhere.

Cam Akers runs the ball against the Packers during a game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (27) carries the ball against the Green Bay Packers during second-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Dec. 29, 2024 capturing a late-season divisional battle. Akers pushes through traffic while Minnesota leans on its rushing attack in a tightly contested matchup against Green Bay. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

The Viking Age‘s Adam Carlson on Akers: “Of course, Minnesota should be in no rush to sign a running back since the team needs to evaluate its young running backs before making any changes to the roster. If Akers is still available after training camp, he could be a solid, familiar face to add to the roster.”

“Time will tell whether fate brings Akers back to the Minnesota Vikings for another reunion, but one thing is certain: the former Florida State running back seems to help bring success to any franchise that he is a part of.”

The History with Akers

From September 2023 to present, the Vikings have signed Akers twice from free agency (July 2024 and September 2025) and traded for him twice (September 2023 with the Los Angeles Rams and October 2024 with the Houston Texans).

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He’s their guy. They can’t quit him.

Cam Akers runs the ball during a game for the Rams against the Jets at SoFi Stadium.
Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers (23) carries the ball against the New York Jets during first-quarter action at SoFi Stadium, with Dec. 20, 2020 marking an early-career outing. Akers accelerates through the line as the Rams test their ground game, though the Jets ultimately secured a narrow 23-20 victory. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports.

In the last three years, anytime a reserve running back, like Ty Chandler, got too close to the RB2 or RB3 job, Minnesota seemed to put its foot down and acquire Akers. While the running back room feels full right now, an Akers signing can never be ruled out when Kevin O’Connell runs the Vikings.

He’s arguably best known for this catch as a Viking that helped secure a win over the Green Bay Packers in 2024:

Akers will turn 27 in June. He’s the proud owner of two Super Bowl rings (Rams, Seahawks).


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Tigers RHP Casey Mize headed for MRI on sore groin

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MLB: Detroit Tigers at Atlanta BravesApr 28, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize (12) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Detroit starter Casey Mize left in the third inning of the Tigers’ Tuesday game against the host Atlanta Braves due to right groin tightness and he will undergo an MRI exam on Wednesday.

Mize, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, appeared to grimace after fielding a soft grounder from Atlanta’s Drake Baldwin and tossing an underhanded throw to first to record an out.

Detroit manager A.J. Hinch and the team trainer examined Mize, who was immediately removed from the game.

“He came up pretty tentative and he wanted to throw a pitch, but we’re not going to mess with that in April,” Hinch said after the Tigers’ 5-2 loss. “And just given how he was describing how he was feeling, we took him out of the game. He’ll get checked out. I have no idea the severity or anything like that, yet.”

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Mize said the issue first arose in the second inning.

“It wasn’t like a one pitch, like grab thing, it was kind of like a gradual tightening up a little bit. So I made it through that inning. Then we did some tests on it in between innings, and felt like good enough to go back out there, but it kind of just never really went away.”

A first-time All-Star last season, Mize is off to a strong start this season with a 2-2 record and 2.90 ERA through six starts. He took the loss on Tuesday after giving up two runs on three hits, striking out three and walking one in 2 1/3 innings.

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–Field Level Media

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All 36 States, FCT Submit Teams for President Federation Cup

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All 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory have submitted teams for the men’s and women’s events of this year’s President Federation Cup.

The competition is one of Nigeria’s biggest domestic football tournaments and will feature clubs from different parts of the country fighting for the title in both categories.

In the women’s competition, top teams such as Bayelsa Queens FC, Edo Queens FC, Rivers Angels FC, Nasarawa Amazons FC, FC Robo Queens and Delta Queens FC are expected to take part.

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The FCT will be represented by Naija Ratels FC and NAF FC, while states like Lagos, Oyo, Plateau and Kaduna also submitted more than one team.

In the men’s competition, several Nigeria Premier Football League clubs have confirmed their participation. They include Enyimba FC, Rangers International FC, Bendel Insurance FC, Rivers United FC, Plateau United FC and Akwa United FC.

Other teams listed for the tournament include Lobi Stars FC, Kwara United FC, Nasarawa United FC and Niger Tornadoes FC.

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The FCT teams for the men’s event are Sporting Supreme FC and their U19 side.

Some states also entered academy and youth teams, showing the competition’s importance in developing young football talents. These include Adamawa United Academy, Jigawa Golden Stars Junior and Zamfara United Feeders.

The President Federation Cup gives lower division and amateur clubs the chance to play against top-flight teams from across Nigeria.

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Cavaliers vs. Raptors prediction, odds, spread, time: 2026 NBA playoff picks for Wednesday

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The Raptors vs. Cavaliers series in the first round of the NBA playoffs 2026 is down to a best-of-three as it is 2-2 entering Wednesday’s Game 5. The fourth-seeded Cavs (52-30) won the first two contests at home before dropping the two in Toronto, including a 93-89 defeat in Game 4. The fifth-seeded Raptors (46-36) are looking to end a streak of four straight road defeats, all coming by double-digits. Toronto swept the regular season series, 3-0, including two wins in Cleveland.

Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET from Rocket Arena in Cleveland. The Cavs are 14-4 all-time in the postseason versus Toronto. The latest Cavaliers vs. Raptors odds from FanDuel Sportsbook have the Cavs as 8.5-point favorites, while the over/under for total points scored is 215.5. Before making any Raptors vs. Cavaliers picks, check out the Cavaliers vs. Raptors predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered the second full week of the 2026 NBA playoffs on a sizzling 25-9 roll (74%) on top-rated NBA spread picks this season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.    

Now, the model has simulated Cavaliers vs. Raptors 10,000 times and just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Raptors vs. Cavaliers:

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Cavaliers vs. Raptors spread:    

Cavaliers -8.5 at FanDuel    

Cavaliers vs. Raptors over/under:    

215.5 points

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Cavaliers vs. Raptors money line:

Cavaliers -379, Raptors +299

Cavaliers vs. Raptors picks:    

See picks at SportsLine

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Cavaliers vs. Raptors streaming:

Fubo (Try for free)  

Top Raptors vs. Cavaliers predictions

After 10,000 simulations of Cavaliers vs. Raptors, SportsLine’s model is going Over on the total (215.5). In over-under betting, these teams have lit up the scoreboard much more often when playing in Cleveland than in Toronto. The series’ two games in Ohio saw an average of 229.5 points scored, whereas the two in Canada saw just 206 combined points per game. Since the start of 2025, their five meetings in Cleveland have averaged 233.8 total points.

Both squads have highly efficient offenses, though they do it in different ways. Toronto owns the third-best assist-to-turnover ratio in the league and is seventh in field goal percentage. Meanwhile, Cleveland ranks second in 2P percentage and makes the eighth-most 3Ps per game. The model calls for the total to be eclipsed with plenty of points to spare as the Over hits 59.5% of the time, making it a great selection for anybody targeting NBA parlay betting. See the Cavaliers vs. Raptors spread pick at SportsLine, and you can bet the Over in Cavaliers vs. Raptors at FanDuel here:

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How to make Raptors vs. Cavaliers picks

After simulating each possession of Cavaliers vs. Raptors 10,000 times, the model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can head to SportsLine to see the model’s NBA picks

So who wins Raptors vs. Cavs, and which side of the spread hits in well over 50% of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Cavs vs. Raptors spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.

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Bo Bichette homers as Clay Holmes, Mets shut out Nationals

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MLB: Washington Nationals at New York MetsApr 28, 2026; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) circles the bases after hitting a leadoff home run in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Clay Holmes threw six scoreless innings Tuesday night for the struggling New York Mets, who rolled to an 8-0 victory over the visiting Washington Nationals in the opener of a three-game series.

Bo Bichette homered leading off the first and Juan Soto’s two-run blast closed out a seven-run fourth-inning outburst for the Mets, who are just 3-15 since April 8 — a span in which they have been outscored 87-47.

Three players had a hit apiece the Nationals, who have lost seven of 11.

Holmes (3-2) gave up three hits and one walk while striking out six. The Nationals got their only runner into scoring position in the second, when Holmes escaped a two-on jam by striking out Luis Garcia Jr.

New York reliever Tobias Myers tossed two hitless innings before Craig Kimbrel struck out the side in a perfect ninth.

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Bichette was the only Mets player to reach base in the first three innings against Zack Littell (0-4), who retired eight in a row following Bichette’s homer before he walked the third baseman in the third.

MJ Melendez singled with one out in the fourth and Mark Vientos and Brett Baty walked. Melendez and Vientos then scored when third baseman Jorbit Vivas misplayed Marcus Semien’s grounder.

Carson Benge laced a two-RBI single on the next pitch and Ronny Mauricio singled before Benge trotted home on Bichette’s long fly to right. Soto chased Littell with his second homer of the season and his first since April 1.

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Benge had two hits — his third multi-hit effort in his last four starts. The rookie outfielder had multiple hits just once in his first 21 games (19 starts).

Littell allowed the eight runs (four earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out one over 3 2/3 innings. He has given up 24 runs (18 earned) over just 13 2/3 innings in his past three starts.

–Field Level Media

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Lindsey Vonn makes positive steps after devastating Olympic crash

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Decorated American skier Lindsey Vonn is progressing well in her recovery nearly three months after her dangerous crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, it’s clear she still has a long way to go before she returns to full health.

Vonn suffered a complex tibia fracture as a result of her downhill crash just 13 seconds into her race at the Milan Cortina Games on February 8. She had to be airlifted to a nearby hospital after the accident, eventually undergoing three surgeries before she could return to the U.S.

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The 41-year-old skier, who has three Olympic medals to her name, has since undergone two more surgeries to address her injury. Now, she’s undergoing rehab and continuously working to regain the strength she lost because of her accident.

Lindsey Vonn’s update on Instagram

Vonn has often updated her fans about her condition on social media, frequently posting pictures of her personal life and rehab activities.

Last week, she shared a photo of herself walking on a beach with her crutches, writing, “Step by step…recovering physically and mentally.”

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On Tuesday, Vonn posted another update, this time taking a selfie after a workout session. In her caption, she admitted that she’s still not back to her old self, although she’s slowly getting there.

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“Not quite me but getting there…” Vonn stated, along with a hashtag “stepbystep.”

While Vonn is still recovering and is unable to play the sport she loves, it doesn’t mean she has stopped working altogether. She remains active with her commitments away from her sport. Currently, she’s working on Invivyd’s “Antibodies for Any Body” campaign.

Vonn is also set to speak at the 2026 commencement ceremony of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism on May 15.

Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead

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Spurs eliminate Blazers, advance to Western Conference Semifinals

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The San Antonio Spurs are through to the next round after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 114-95 in Game 5 to win the series 4-1.

San Antonio built an early lead and stayed in control for most of the game. Portland made a late push, but the Spurs had already done enough to close it out.

De’Aaron Fox led the way with 21 points and nine assists, taking over in the fourth quarter. Head coach Mitch Johnson spoke highly of his impact:

  • Sixers stay alive with Game 5 Comeback Win Over CelticsSixers stay alive with Game 5 Comeback Win Over Celtics

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“He’s done this in his career. He was a Clutch Player of the Year for a reason. He’s in a different situation now, in terms of having the basketball in his hands at that volume every single night in the fourth quarter. He may be as good as any player I’ve ever seen, in terms of balancing how to play off the ball, and then when to go on it. When he gets on it, he doesn’t mess around, and he gets right to it… He took over the game clearly again tonight.”

Victor Wembanyama added 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks. He also made history as the first player since Patrick Ewing in 1994 to record consecutive playoff games with a double-double and at least six blocks.

With the win, the Spurs advance to the Western Conference semifinals and will face the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets.

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Powell backs Jersey Bulls to recover from play-off loss

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Jersey Bulls manager Elliot Powell has backed his “resilient” players to recover from their play-off semi-final disappointment.

The island side lost 4-3 on penalties to AFC Whyteleafe on Tuesday in the Isthmian League South East play-offs.

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It means a second season in the eighth-tier league for the islanders, who finished third this season after winning promotion via the play-offs a year ago.

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“We’ll dust ourselves down and the preparation for next season starts next week,” Powell told BBC Radio Jersey.

“We’ve been in this position before, we’ve lost semi-finals before, these lads have lost big games before and that’s why they’re the big players, that’s why they’re the best players in the island – they’ve got a level of resilience which staggers me on a daily basis.

“We talk about resilience every week, going away three times a week and spending 50 hours volunteering for this football club.”

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Bulls have been at the top end of each league they have played in since their formation in 2019.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, they have always finished in the top four in their divisions – they were beaten in the Combined Counties Premier Division South play-offs two years ago after finishing second in their league.

Last season they topped the division, but after having points docked for fielding a banned player, had to win promotion via the play-offs.

This season they finished third in their eighth-tier league – the highest-ever finish by a Channel island side in the English league system.

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“These lads for Whyteleafe are delighted they get another game and obviously I’m sure if they go up they get some promotion bonuses as well,” added Powell.

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“Our lads don’t have any of that and that’s why the emotion is so raw for these guys.

“They play for the badge, they play for their families, they play for the island.

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“I think they’ve represented the island unbelievably well this year; just a few penalty kicks doesn’t change anything in my opinion about that.”

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Hailey Baptiste stuns Sabalenka in Madrid

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Hailey Baptiste has pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(6) in Madrid to reach her first WTA 1000 semifinal.

Baptiste saved six match points in the deciding set before forcing a tiebreak and completing a remarkable comeback. The victory ends Sabalenka’s 15-match winning streak and her title defense.

This is the biggest win of Baptiste’s career. She earns her first victory over a world No. 1 and is projected to rise to a career-high ranking of No. 24.

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After the match, Baptiste reflected on the moment:

“Incredible. Super proud of myself. It was super tight… had to fight off match points. I’m really happy right now.”

She also spoke about what the win means for her confidence:

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“It just shows me where my game lies. I’ve always believed it. Now I’m starting to put it into action and the world is seeing it as well.”

Sabalenka admitted she had chances but was outplayed in the key moments:

“I had some opportunities and didn’t take them. I feel like she played very brave tennis in those match-point moments, and that made the difference… well done.”

The result also makes her just the second American woman to beat a world No. 1 in Madrid, joining Serena Williams.

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Baptiste will now face Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals as she continues a breakthrough run.

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Report: Vikings Dream Fit Visiting MIN for Open WR3 Job

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Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell in 2025
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

Jauan Jennings is a Vikings dream fit. He’s getting a step closer to making that fit a reality.

Check out what Adam Schefter of ESPN had to say: “49ers free-agent wide receiver Jauan Jennings is visiting tonight and Wednesday with the Minnesota Vikings, per source.” Quite possibly, word will emerge tonight or tomorrow of a deal.

Vikings Dream Fit Jauan Jennings Going to Twin Cities

Start off with the basics.

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Jauan Jennings is 6’3″ and weighs 212 pounds. He got into the NFL in the 7th Round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the same event where Justin Jefferson got snagged in the 1st Round. He has since played every season in San Francisco, but he did spend his debut season on the practice squad. Presumably, a major reason why he fell to the 7th was due to his 4.72 forty, a terrible time for a receiver.

a new viking hero
Nov 27, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports.

Jennings can be a streaky player, but he’s awesome when he’s on. For basic statistics, a normal season involves 48 receptions for 585 yards and 5 touchdowns. His best season, though, was quite a lot more impressive. In 2024, Jennings offered up 77 catches, 975 yards, and 6 touchdowns.

Per PFF, Jauan Jennings spent 45% of his passing snaps in the slot. He then had 55% out wide. Being able to move around the formation is a nice detail for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. So, too, is his size a helpful piece of the puzzle.

Safe to say that many see the fit as being a good one.

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Alec Lewis (The Athletic) passes along a thought: “Former 49ers WR Jauan Jennings is visiting the Vikings this week, per source. @AdamSchefter on it. Would be a perfect fit in this system alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Another tone setter.”

And make note of Kevin Seifert’s quick quip: “Vikings didn’t end up drafting a receiver, and now that the compensatory pick period has passed, they are targeting Jennings. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are the only vet WRs on the roster.”

NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Seifert’s point is a good one.

Earlier today, I pointed out that the compensatory pick deadline had passed. The quick detail wasn’t in relation to Jennings since the news of a Vikings visit hadn’t yet emerged, but it’s applicable to him. Scooping up a pass rusher such as Jadeveon Clowney has a ton of merit; so does adding another weapon for that receiver group.

Jennings is coming off a modest contract to follow his rookie deal. He snagged a touch less than $12 million over two years, a modest amount within the world of NFL receiver deals.

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He’s now getting pretty late in the free agency process as a lingering talent within the third wave. Still, though, one wonders how cheap he could be acquired. Does a single-season deal for roughly $10 million get the job done? Too high? The Vikings could afford that, but there would need to be some money moves.

Rallying around a top trio of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings would be borderline unfair. Whoever starts — either of Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy — would get to work with an embarrassment of riches.

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates with wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) after his touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

The Vikings currently have $16 million in cap space, but that’s without getting the draft class under contract. Minnesota, in other words, has somewhere around $10 million in cap space to work with in the Jennings sweepstakes. Another cash influx is going to arrive in June due to the post-June 1st cuts for Jonathan Allen and Harrison Smith.

Jennings will turn 29 in July.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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The Jonathan Greenard Trade Still Needs a Follow-Up

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Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel celebrating a defensive play against the Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings linebackers Jonathan Greenard (58) and Andrew Van Ginkel (43) celebrate following a defensive play during first-half action against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Dec. 14, 2025, reacting with energy as the unit builds momentum. Both defenders contribute to Minnesota’s aggressive front-seven performance. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

The Minnesota Vikings now have the NFL Draft in their rearview mirror. They made nine selections across the seven rounds and then added another 19 players as undrafted free agents. Arguably, the most notable change to the roster in that time came in the form of trading Jonathan Greenard.

Unfortunately, moving Greenard wasn’t a secret; it was something the Vikings had been flirting with for weeks. The Philadelphia Eagles were a rumored destination, and they ultimately wound up as the landing spot.

The Vikings Haven’t Made the Next Move Just Yet

Minnesota acquired the 98th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, along with a third-round selection next year, in exchange for Greenard. They also cleared cap space and avoided paying him $100 million on an extension.

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The 98th overall pick became Miami Safety Jakobe Thomas. He is a potential talent to start on Day 1 for Brian Flores should Harrison Smith not return to the secondary. Obviously, the additional third-round pick has yet to be cashed, and more notably, the money hasn’t been reallocated either.

Jonathan Greenard celebrating after a sack against C.J. Stroud during a Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jonathan Greenard trade Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates after sacking Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud during third-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sep. 22, 2024, in Minneapolis. The play sparked energy across the defense and crowd as Greenard disrupted Houston’s rhythm in a pivotal early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Now with more than $16 million in cap space, the Vikings have some room to maneuver. Unfortunately, free agency has already had its frenzy, so there aren’t a ton of options left. The Vikings could (and should) go sign a WR3 with some notoriety. Pairing another option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to help Kyler Murray makes sense. They’ll also have to pay the class, and potentially Smith if he returns.

At any rate, fans aren’t going to want to see a team quarterbacked by Murray drop Greenard in a salary dump. Thomas was a nice addition, but the financial considerations must be reallocated as well. This is a cap space, and it’s not an ownership group run by the Pohlad’s.

Jonathan Greenard shakes hands with Matthew Stafford after NFC wild card game.
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) receives a postgame handshake from Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) after their NFC wild card matchup at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.

Moving Greenard, and at that value, was defensible. Doing nothing in the wake of it is not.


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Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler
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