The Minnesota Vikings are taking a closer look at former Arizona Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Rondale Moore, as they host him for a free-agent visit at TCO Performance Center on Friday. The team officially confirmed the visit, signaling potential interest in adding the speedy playmaker to their receiving corps.
A Career Marked by Potential and Injury Challenges
Moore, who will turn 25 this summer, was selected 49th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2021 NFL Draft following a dynamic yet injury-riddled college career at Purdue. Standing at 5-foot-7, Moore was regarded as an explosive “gadget” receiver—a player who could make plays in space with his elite speed and agility.
His time in the NFL, however, has been inconsistent. After three seasons in Arizona, Moore had accumulated just under 1,500 total yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. Last offseason, he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons, but his tenure there was derailed before it even began, as a knee injury sidelined him for the entire 2023 season.
Despite his struggles with injuries, Moore remains an intriguing talent. His athletic profile is elite—he ran a blistering 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the 2021 NFL Combine and posted impressive marks in agility drills, jumps, and the bench press. His best football moment came as a freshman at Purdue in 2018 when he earned All-American honors after amassing 1,471 total yards and 14 touchdowns, putting together a highlight-reel season that showcased his electrifying playmaking ability. That upside was what convinced the Cardinals to select him with a top-50 draft pick.
Moore’s Best NFL Games Have Come Against the Vikings
For Vikings fans, Moore’s name might already be familiar—and for good reason. Two of his best career performances have come against Minnesota.
During his rookie season in 2021, Moore put on a show in a Week 2 matchup against the Vikings, catching a 77-yard touchdown and finishing with 114 receiving yards in a thrilling 34-33 Arizona victory. A year later, in 2022, he once again found success against Minnesota, racking up 104 total yards and a touchdown in a Cardinals loss at U.S. Bank Stadium. These two games remain the only times in his NFL career that Moore has surpassed 100 yards from scrimmage in a single game.
How Moore Could Fit in Minnesota
Although injuries have limited his impact in the NFL, Moore’s skill set remains highly intriguing. When healthy, he’s a dynamic open-field threat capable of making defenders miss with the ball in his hands. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell could deploy him in a variety of ways, including screens, end-arounds, jet sweeps, and other designed plays to take advantage of his speed and elusiveness. Additionally, he could serve as a depth option in the slot behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison while also providing versatility as a potential emergency running back.
Moore’s skill set closely resembles that of Brandon Powell, who played a key role for the Vikings last season. If signed, Moore would likely serve as Powell’s replacement but with added upside due to his youth—he’s four years younger than Powell. He also brings additional special teams value, having returned both kickoffs and punts during his rookie season with the Cardinals.
What Does This Mean for the Vikings’ WR Plans?
Moore’s visit to Minnesota comes amid speculation about the team’s pursuit of veteran receiver Cooper Kupp, who is expected to make a decision on his future on Friday. While Moore and Kupp are vastly different types of receivers—Kupp being a polished, high-volume pass-catcher and Moore a speedster used in specific roles—it’s possible that the Vikings are looking at Moore as a more cost-effective addition to round out their wide receiver room.
If the Vikings opt to sign Moore, he would join a receiving corps led by Jefferson, Addison, and Jalen Nailor, providing a different skill set that could complement the team’s offensive weapons. Whether or not this signals the end of Minnesota’s pursuit of Kupp remains unclear, but it does indicate that the Vikings are actively looking to add another receiver to their roster.
As Moore continues his free-agent visit, Minnesota will have a decision to make—do they take a chance on his raw athleticism and potential, or continue searching for more established options?
BREAKING: Vikings hosts free agent WR Rondale Moore on visit for potential deal
