Coveted Free Agent Spurns Bears, Signs with MN Vikings

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Rondale Moore, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings have focused the vast majority of their free agent spending in the trenches this offseason, as they prepare for what appears to be the J.J. McCarthy show in 2025. On the offensive side, that included upgrades at both guard and center, to help beef up the protection of their redshirt rookie QB.

That’s great, but the Vikings needed some more help at the offensive skill positions, too. That’s why they brought back Aaron Jones and paired him with talented former 49er RB, Jordan Mason. Yet, as of Wednesday afternoon, head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah remained on the hunt for more wide receiver talent.

Rondale Moore signs deal with Minnesota Vikings

The former Arizona Cardinals speedster took a visit with the Vikings last week, before leaving town to go flirt with with the division rival, Chicago Bears. Sensibly, Moore returned Wednesday to the better situation, where he will wear purple in 2025.

The Arizona Cardinals made Rondale Moore their second round pick during the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Purdue Boilermaker spent his first four seasons there, before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons before the 2024 season, where he blew out his knee during a joint preseason practice and never saw the field.

Across 39 games, Moore has made 23 starts. He has tallied a total of 1,201 yards with a single touchdown each year. At 5’7″ with speed, Moore is a better fit in the slot. Last summer during a joint practice with the Miami Dolphins, Moore suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Related: Vikings O-Line Rental Lands Generous New Deal Elsewhere

The speed that Moore possesses shows up all over the offense. While he typically specializes in short and intermediate routes, along with bubble screens and other gadget pass plays, the 24-year-old height-challenged burner has also ran the ball 52 times for 249 yards and a touchdown during the course of his career (see video above).

It stands to reason that the Vikings could look to utilize him in a multitude of different packages. Teamed with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Moore presents a different type of third option than either of those two, or their 2024 WR3 Jordan Nailor was able to provide.

Where does the MN Vikings wide receiver corps stand?

Last season the Minnesota Vikings were forced to find an alternative option for the departing K.J. Osborn. They landed on Jalen Nailor to fill his shoes. The third-year wideout started seven of 17 games and posted 414 yards on 28 receptions.

Rondale Moore
Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

He also found the end zone six times. The problem is that Nailor also failed to convert in multiple key situations and his hands were far from sure. Rondale Moore has made just over $7 million during his career. He’s hoping a strong season in Minnesota will lead to a more lucrative payday next offseason.

Moore won’t be guaranteed a to take over a starting role, but it should be assumed that he is the biggest competition for Nailor. Addison is also likely to miss time, as he is disciplined for his DUI last summer. The Vikings will need guys like Moore and Nailor to step up, in his absence.

Related: MN Vikings Insider Names Two Veteran QBs to Watch

Recently, the Minnesota Vikings also signed former Jaguars WR Tim Jones, who is more of a special teams contributor. The Vikings also have Thayer Thomas, Lucky Jackson, and Jeshaun Jones on roster. It’s possible that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah looks at the wide receiver position later in the draft, or down the line in free agency, to generate more depth.

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