Chad

Beebe

Beebe missed all of 2021 after being placed on injured reserve (foot) ahead of final roster cuts. Once viewed as a candidate for the Vikings’ No. 3 receiver role, Beebe last played in 2020 and posted a receiving line of 20-201-2, serving primarily as a slot receiver. While he’s likely nothing more than a camp body at this time, Beebe also has experience on special teams as a punt returner.

As Beebe was placed on injured reserve before the final roster cuts, he will miss the entirety of the 2021 season. Beebe was the frontrunner to land the No. 3 receiver role for Minnesota before the injury. The door is now open for fifth-round rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette to take over that gig. Beebe only managed to turn the role into 20 receptions for 201 yards but a boost in playing time for Smith-Marsette would give his dynasty value a pulse.

Beebe held down the slot job last season before re-signing a few days into free agency. The Vikings don’t have many great options behind Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, but it is disappointing neither Bisi Johnson nor fifth-round rookie Ihmir Smith-Marsette could beat Beebe out. Beebe will have zero fantasy appeal as what should be the No. 5 option in the Vikings’ passing game.

Beebe will compete for a starting spot in three-receiver sets as a slot option. The one-year contract and his production last year (20-201-2) don’t prevent the front office for looking for a replacement in the 2021 NFL Draft. Minnesota has been a 12-personnel offense but could opt for more 11-personnel now that TE Kyle Rudolph is out of the plans.

The lowest tender amount is $2.133 million. Beebe was undrafted so if the team had wanted compensation in a tender, the lowest amount was $3.384 million for a second round pick. Beebe could now become an unrestricted free agent, though the team wants to bring him back for the 2021 season. He caught 20 passes for 201 yards and two scores on 30 targets last year.

Beebe and Bisi Johnson battled as the Vikings’ No. 3 receiver for much of the season, but it’s a role that equated to a sub-50% snap share. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen were target hogs in Minnesota’s two-receiver set base offense, which left Beebe with only 20 receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns. A 27-year-old free agent, Beebe projects as a fringe active roster player.

Beebe popped with Adam Thielen sidelined and Kirk Cousins attempting a season-high 45 passes. It was a fluky game that shouldn’t be chased ahead of Week 13, even against the lowly Jaguars. Beebe and Bisi Johnson would split targets way behind Justin Jefferson is Thielen is out next week.

The Vikings are amongst the healthiest teams in the league through the first week of the regular season.

The Vikings had no players listed on their Week 1 injury report.

Beebe was hoping to rehab his was back from torn ligaments in his ankle, but it was always a longshot. This officially ends his 2019. Beebe could miss some offseason workouts but should be 100 percent for training camp.