The Minnesota Vikings won the NFC North division for the first time since 2009 under second-year head coach Mike Zimmer, and they have made some strong improvements this offseason, particularly with their offensive line.
While offensive line was the top priority for both Zimmer and the Vikings' front office this offseason, Minnesota still has multiple other positions that they need to take care prior to the start of the 2016 season.
Many believe that wide receiver is the Vikings' top need heading into the 2016 NFL Draft, which has led multiple NFL draft analysts to project the Vikings to select a wide receiver with the 23rd overall pick. While Minnesota likely will look to bolster the wide receiver position in the upcoming draft, one former Viking free agent is making a pitch to return to Minnesota in 2016.
Free agent wide receiver Greg Jennings is looking to return to Minnesota in 2016 after spending one season with the Dolphins, and he has even reached out to Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. "I left Rick a voicemail," Jennings said. " told (them), I'm waiting on you guys. I miss being (in Minnesota). You appreciate something more when it's taken away from you."
The free agent wide receiver turns 33 years old at the beginning of the 2016 season, but he was ineffective in Miami's offensive system last season and spent a majority of the season on the sidelines. Jennings recorded 19 receptions for 208 yards and scored a touchdown last season, but he believes that he can still be effective in the league and would provide veteran leadership among the Vikings wide receivers.
"I know what Teddy (Bridgewater) missed," Jennings said. "Sometimes you take for granted the veteran guys in the locker room...when I look at the Vikings I see a young team. A team of guys with great leadership on the defensive side of the ball specifically. In a wide receiver room, where's the veteran? Where's the leadership? Where's the accountability?"
In two seasons with the Vikings, Jennings recorded 127 receptions for 1,546 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. It's unknown if the Vikings have a legitimate interest in the free agent wide receiver, but given his want to play for the team, the Vikings front office could look to sign him on an inexpensive one-year contract. Jennings will be entering his 11th NFL season in 2016 and is hoping that the Vikings will call him back, as he has clearly shown his desire to return to Minnesota.
