The Minnesota Vikings are evaluating veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster as they consider additional options for their receiving corps during the 2026 NFL season.
Smith-Schuster worked out for Minnesota on Monday, October 12, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, following his release from the New York Giants in August.
The 29-year-old remains a free agent after signing with New York in June and failing to secure a roster spot.
His workout comes as Minnesota manages injuries among its receivers and continues adding veteran options, including Odell Beckham Jr., who recently joined the team's practice squad before being elevated to the active roster.
Smith-Schuster has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots during his NFL career.
The 2017 second-round draft pick earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018 and later won a Super Bowl with Kansas City, but his recent receiving production has been considerably lower than his career-best numbers.
According to reports published by NBC Sports and other outlets on October 12, Minnesota's workout represents an evaluation rather than a confirmed signing.
The Vikings have not been reported to have finalized a deal with Smith-Schuster.
Smith-Schuster spent five seasons with Pittsburgh after the Steelers selected him 62nd overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
He recorded 323 receptions for 3,855 yards and 26 touchdowns with the franchise, according to figures published by Sports Yahoo.
His strongest individual season came in 2018, when he caught 111 passes for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns.
After leaving Pittsburgh following the 2021 season, Smith-Schuster signed with Kansas City on a one-year contract.
He recorded 933 receiving yards during the 2022 season and helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LVII.
Smith-Schuster joined the New England Patriots on a three-year, $33 million contract in 2023.
However, he finished that season with 29 receptions for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 games while dealing with injuries, and New England subsequently parted ways with him.
He returned to Kansas City for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Sports Yahoo reported that he recorded 18 catches for 231 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in 2024, followed by 33 receptions for 345 yards and one touchdown in 2025.
Bleacher Report also cited his 345 receiving yards and one touchdown across 17 games last season.
His latest opportunity with the Giants ended before the regular season.
Sports Yahoo reported that New York released him on August 18 after he dealt with knee problems during the summer, leaving him available for other teams seeking experienced receiving options.
Minnesota's personnel situation has added urgency to its evaluation of receiver depth.
According to Bleacher Report and The Big Lead, Jordan Addison missed the Vikings' game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday because of a hamstring injury, while Justin Jefferson returned after missing the previous game with an ankle injury.
Jefferson caught seven passes for 79 yards and a touchdown against New Orleans, according to Bleacher Report.
Addison's absence and the team's recent addition of Beckham provide context for Minnesota's decision to evaluate another veteran receiver.
The Vikings entered their bye week after opening the 2026 season with a 5-0 record, according to The Big Lead.
The break gives the team time to assess its roster before play resumes, while Smith-Schuster's next step remains dependent on whether Minnesota decides to pursue a contract.
