Logo

Vikings Elevate WR Hidden Gem to Active Roster After Packers Offer to Steal Him

Minneapolis, MN – 2025

The Green Bay Packers’ search for immediate wide-receiver help nearly netted them a young pass-catcher from inside the NFC North. But the Minnesota Vikings weren’t about to let him leave.

According to multiple reports, the Packers attempted to sign Jeshaun Jones off Minnesota’s practice squad — an NFL-legal poach that would have placed him directly on Green Bay’s 53-man roster. Instead, the Vikings moved decisively on Tuesday, signing Jones to their own active roster to keep the 25-year-old in house as the schedule tightens.

Who’s the hidden gem? Jones is a former Maryland captain who led the Terps in 2023 (56 receptions, 790 yards) and spent most of 2024 on Minnesota’s practice squad. He signed a reserve/future deal in January 2025, was waived at final cuts on Aug. 26, then re-joined the Vikings’ practice squad on Aug. 27 — where he’d been developing this fall before today’s promotion. On the club’s site, he’s listed at 6-1, 188 and has been wearing No. 82.

For Minnesota, the move is about protecting an asset and fortifying depth during an injury-churned stretch. For Jones, it’s a shot to stick on Sundays — likely starting on special teams and in select offensive packages while he competes for snaps in a crowded receiver room.

If Jones translates his practice-squad progress to game days, the Vikings may have uncovered another developmental wideout who can help now while growing into a larger role down the line.

Comments (0)

Loading comments...

After Thrilling Win Over Browns, Vikings Lose Veteran LT with 50 Career Starts
London, England – The dramatic 24–23 victory over the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium helped the Minnesota Vikings end their opponent's streak, but it came at a steep price – the loss of veteran left tackle Christian Darrisaw due to a knee injury. The incident occurred at halftime, when Darrisaw was taken to the locker room by trainers for evaluation after experiencing issues with his right knee. He had attempted to play with limited snaps but ultimately had to leave the field and was confirmed unable to return for the remainder of the game. The 26-year-old – who has played 5 seasons in the NFL and started 50 games in his career – is considered a key pillar in head coach Kevin O'Connell's roster, particularly on the offensive line and in protecting the quarterback. Darrisaw has shown consistent performance since the start of the season, coordinating with his teammates to form a solid offensive line for the Vikings, even while recovering from a serious knee injury prior to the season. In the post-game press conference, Coach O'Connell expressed concern but maintained an optimistic outlook: “He is a warrior. He brings energy, experience, and composure in critical moments. We're awaiting detailed test results, and his absence is a significant blow to our lineup. However, I believe Christian will come back stronger.” Darrisaw's absence will undoubtedly pose a major challenge for the Vikings in the weeks ahead, especially since he is not only a veteran left tackle but also plays a pivotal role in protecting the offense – a position that demands speed, endurance, and sharp game-reading ability. Nevertheless, the victory over the Browns remains a powerful statement: the Vikings are undergoing a revival with an unyielding fighting spirit. And as Coach O'Connell put it – “Darrisaw will return, because that's the essence of a Viking.”