https://vikesnow.com/analysis/2026/myles-price-vikings-bigger-receiver-role/

Myles Price Is Forcing the Vikings to Rethink What He Is

Myles Price emerged out of nowhere in 2025 as an undrafted free agent to special teams prominence, and he is on the cusp of taking yet another step in 2026 – – a contributor on offense. The speedster stabbed a pass from Carson Wentz out of the sky with one hand on Saturday, putting the Minnesota Vikings’ coaching staff on notice: use this guy on offense.

Price’s brief stint as “just a special teams guy” could be kaput.

Price Is Becoming More Than a Return Specialist

Preseason Opener Proved Price Deserves an Extended Look on Offense

Price reportedly put in work this offseason to become better as a pass-catcher, and the process immediately paid off.

He looked like an actual receiver doing receiver things on Saturday. The speedster led Minnesota with four catches for 51 yards, including a contested 28-yard reception, and finished the Vikings’ only touchdown drive with an absurd one-handed grab from Carson Wentz. And these weren’t manufactured touches designed for a return specialist. Price won downfield and at the catch point. After a strong training camp, Minnesota now has game evidence that his offensive development is legit.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell opined, “I thought that was a phenomenal catch to get us going a little bit from Carson.”

The viewing audience agreed – – and were frankly a little shocked that Price had the juice for a one-handed paydirt.

2,217 Receiving Yards in College Don’t Lie

What’s more, Price clearly knew how to catch a ball even before arriving in Eagan this summer. In his five years playing college ball at Texas Tech and Indiana, he snagged 199 receptions for 2,217 yards and 13 touchdowns, in addition to contributing as a runner and returner. He was Texas Tech’s top receiver twice and concluded his time at Indiana with 38 catches for 466 yards.

So while Minnesota probably envisioned special teams as his quickest path to the NFL, his college stats showed his pass-catching ability. To him, it probably felt bizarre to be excluded from the offense, almost altogether, as a rookie. The youngster did something about it this offseason, and in the first preseason game, he authored a one-handed touchdown.

WR4 or WR5?

Minnesota’s top three receivers will be Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. You can take that to the bank. The more engaging question is the depth chart that follows.

Tai Felton has typically been considered the WR4, with Price and other UDFAs projected just behind him. Price is now closing that gap, at least after one preseason game. His established value on special teams already secures a roster spot, but his emerging offensive skills make him a much more exciting commodity. Saturday’s performance might not immediately elevate him above Felton, but it should transform the WR4 versus WR5 competition into a genuine debate.

Think of it this way: at the New York Giants on Saturday, Price looked like a WR4 – – perhaps better – – and Felton did not. If there were an active battle between Felton and Price for the WR5 job, Price found a leg up.

At the very worst, Price can likely pencil himself as the Vikings’ WR5.

The Vikings Barely Let Him Be a Receiver Last Year

Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels said of Price last week, “Year 1 Myles as a receiver versus Year 2 Myles as a receiver is day and night.”

An extreme smoking gun.

During his rookie year, Price primarily returned kicks and punts for the Vikings, despite being a wide receiver by trade. He saw minimal offensive action, playing only 17 snaps and recording no receptions. While this limited role might have been understandable for an undrafted rookie learning the system, it’s harder to defend now. Price has dedicated an entire offseason to purifying his routes and making plays. It’s time for the Vikings to assess his true potential as a wide receiver.

The Vikings take on the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday for Preseason Game No. 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Price will get a chance to provide a sequel to Saturday’s gem.

His teammates call him “Jug” because they claim his head looks like an actual jug.

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VikesNow Verdict: The Vikings owe themselves a longer look at what Price can offer at receiver. His college production and offseason growth suggest there may be considerably more in the vault.