Vikings Watch Explosive, Young Playmaker Visit Rival Bears After Free Agent Visit

After a flashy first week of free agency that saw 14 newcomers arrive to the tune of over $300 million in new contracts, the Minnesota Vikings still have a quiet need for a third wide receiver in their offense. A 2021 sixth-round pick, Jalen Nailor lacked consistency despite playing all 17 games for the first time in his career last season. It will be his job to lose in training camp this summer, but the Vikings are looking to bolster the competition in the room with Trent Sherfield signing with the Denver Broncos and Brandon Powell currently a free agent.

The Vikings took a look at a versatile slot receiver in former Arizona Cardinals second-round pick Rondale Moore, inviting him for a visit on March 14. However, Moore left without a contract signed, and after several days, is exploring his options elsewhere, including in the NFC North.

On Monday, March 17, Moore visited the Chicago Bears, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported.

On paper, Moore looked like a low-risk, potentially high-reward signing for the Vikings. He ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the 2021 NFL Combine and is just 24 years old. Moore played three seasons with the Cardinals, totaling 135 receptions, 1,201 yards receiving along with 52 carries for 249 yards rushing and four total touchdowns. Moore was traded to the Atlanta Falcons but suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp.

Moore seemed like an upside gadget-type athlete to plug into Kevin O’Connell’s offense with his versatility to line up outside, in the slot and even in the backfield. Money doesn’t seem to be the issue for Minnesota. The Vikings have nearly $33 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. Spotrac projected Moore to sign a $1.5 million-a-year deal.

However, after the Vikings and Bears let Moore walk out of their facilities without a contract, it could be a sign that his health or physical came up with some concerns. The Vikings agreed to terms with Tim Jones on March 18, although he figures to be a special teams contributor as a de-facto replacement for Sherfield. And while Moore remains unsigned, he could be merely weighing multiple offers and will continue his free agency.

Vikings, 49ers announce Jordan Mason trade

The trade that sends running back Jordan Mason from San Francisco to Minnesota became official on Tuesday. Both teams have announced the deal.

It’s a swap of fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2025, giving the 49ers a net bump of 27 spots from No. 187 to No. 160. The deal also includes a sixth-round pick in 2026 rom the Vikings to the 49ers.

Here’s a full breakdown of the two-year, $10.5 million deal Mason will sign with the Vikings. He was eligible for $5.346 million in 2025, under a second-round restricted free agency tender.

Mason rushed for a career high 789 yards in 2024, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. For his three-year career, Mason has an average of 5.3 yards per carry.