Vikings' Jauan Jennings Makes Surprising Kevin Durant Comparison Amid OTAs
There is plenty of optimism surrounding the NFC North’s Minnesota Vikings for the 2026-27 season, given their significant offseason moves to upgrade the offense.
With quarterback JJ McCarthy struggling throughout last season, the team finished 9-8, tied with the Detroit Lions at the bottom of the division. In March, Minnesota signed former No. 1 pick Kyler Murray to a one-year deal after the Arizona Cardinals released him, giving McCarthy strong competition in the QB room.
And many believe Murray could be the key to a turnaround in Minnesota, and there are also additions of other new players, including wide receiver Jauan Jennings.
He joins a receiving corps that features four-time Pro Bowler Justin Jefferson and rising star Jordan Addison. The team recently participated in OTA offseason workouts, and Jennings shared his thoughts on joining the group.
More news:Saquon Barkley Reveals Why He Contacted Former Rams Pro Bowler for Advice
“It’s awesome. I feel like Kevin Durant with the Warriors,” Jennings said, explaining, “Big Three man … Just a lot of talent over here.
Jennings arrived in Minnesota after spending his first six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. A key difference is that he was a seventh-round draft pick by the 49ers and had to prove himself to make the roster, whereas Durant went No. 2 in the 2007 NBA Draft and became a star very quickly.
After playing the first nine seasons of his NBA career with the Seattle/Oklahoma City franchise, Durant famously joined the Golden State Warriors, linking up with fellow All-Stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for a “Big Three.”
That trio, along with another All-Star, Draymond Green, won two championships during part of the Warriors’ dynasty years. KD has since moved on to other NBA teams, with the Houston Rockets his current one.
Then there are all the other career accolades and records, with Durant considered one of the league’s biggest superstars. He’s won MVP, made 16 All-Star appearances, and ranks fifth all-time in points, just above the legendary Michael Jordan. Jennings has yet to win a Super Bowl or receive any Pro Bowl or NFL All-Pro selections in his career.
Most likely, he feels he has a lot to offer this squad and will flourish as part of a receiving trio featuring Jefferson and Addison, so the KD comparison doesn’t seem as much about his stats as about his situation. It’s also worth noting that Addison has yet to achieve any Pro Bowls or All-Pro selections, so those could be goals for him entering his fourth season in Minnesota.
Jennings has reason to be excited, and there are plenty of fans hopeful that this upgraded roster, which should include Murray throwing that trio the ball, can improve on last year’s disappointment.
More news:Jalen Hurts Speaks on Potential AJ Brown Trade for Eagles Amid OTAs
For more about the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL, head over to Newsweek Sports.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 12:18 PM.