The Minnesota Vikings continued evaluating their receiving options Monday, working out veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster after their victory over the New Orleans Saints. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the visit, but there is no confirmed signing attached to the workout.
Smith-Schuster brings a resume, having played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. Pittsburgh selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and he developed into a target early in his career.
His best season came in 2018, when he earned Pro Bowl recognition after recording 111 receptions for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns. He later helped Kansas City win Super Bowl LVII, giving Minnesota a chance to evaluate a receiver with experience in high-pressure situations.
More recently, Smith-Schuster joined the New York Giants during the offseason but was released before the regular season. A knee issue complicated his preseason, making his current physical condition a component of any evaluation.
For Minnesota, a workout offers information without requiring a roster commitment. The Vikings can assess his movement, route execution and potential fit before determining whether further action makes sense.
The workout raises an intriguing question: Could Smith-Schuster get another NFL opportunity in Minnesota? For now, there’s no deal, and the visit alone doesn’t mean anyone’s job is in danger.
Even after Sunday’s win, the Vikings are taking a look at what else is available. Smith-Schuster now has a chance to show he still has something to offer.
The next move belongs to Minnesota: sign him or keep looking.