Wide receiver Dede Westbrook 'super excited' to sign one-year deal with Vikings
Jul. 25—The Vikings have landed a leading candidate to be their No. 3 receiver.
Free agent Dede Westbrook told the Pioneer Press on Saturday that he will sign a one-year deal with Minnesota after having worked out with the team in the morning.
"I'm super excited," he said.
Westbrook was scheduled Sunday to fly to Seattle for a Monday workout with the Seahawks but that has been canceled. He also had considered San Francisco and Cincinnati.
Westbrook becomes the leading candidate to be the Vikings' No. 3 receiver after Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, who have both made Pro Bowls.
Westbrook told the Pioneer Press on Friday, after he arrived in the Twin Cities, that a primary lure was Minnesota's wide receivers coach being Keenan McCardell. The former NFL star was Westbrook's position coach during his four previous seasons with Jacksonville.
"Keenan's like a father figure to me," Westbrook said Saturday. "I respect him and everything that he's ever taught me and done for me."
Westbrook was taken by the Jaguars out of Oklahoma in the fourth round of the 2017 draft and had 66 receptions in both 2018 and 2019. He had just one catch for four yards in two games last season before suffering a season-ending torn ACL in October. Westbrook said his knee is doing well and that he "most definitely" will be ready to practice on Wednesday's first day of training camp.
Westbrook did not offer any money figures on his one-year deal. He said details were still being worked out.
