Tajaé Sharpe Explains Why Vikings Are 'Best Spot'

[Viktor]

Three of his eight career scores have come at least 30 yards from the end zone.


"I definitely think I could be that big-play guy," Sharpe said. "In Tennessee, I didn't feel I got as many opportunities to do that, kind of go down the field and make some plays, but hopefully in the future I can show people I can go down the field and make some big plays."


Sharpe has 92 career catches for 1,167 yards with eight touchdowns in three seasons. He missed the 2017 season with a foot injury.


While he could be a deep-ball target, Sharpe also noted that he can play in the slot, and said he welcomed the chance to make plays anywhere on the field.


"Anywhere I need to line up on the field — whether it's inside or outside — I feel like I have the ability to get open for my quarterback and make plays," Sharpe said. "I feel like being inside, there's way more space in there, so it's a little bit easier than playing on the outside.


"It's a lot of fun to be able to move around and play a bunch of different positions on the field," Sharpe added.


The former UMass standout made his NFL debut against the Vikings back in Week 1 of the 2016 season when he caught seven passes for 76 yards in a 25-16 Minnesota win. Sharpe's seven catches are tied for his current career best, and his 76 yards are his second-most in a single game.


"I remember being a little bit nervous the night before, not knowing what to expect," Sharpe said. "But some of the veteran guys were telling me the speed of the game picks up a little bit from the preseason to the regular season.


"Just regular rookie nerves, but once I got out there I realized it's all football," Sharpe added. "You may be playing at a higher level with new guys on your team, but it's just football at the end of the day."


Sharpe admitted his first foray into free agency was a little different than he expected due to the COVID-19 pandemic happening around the world. With team facilities currently shut down, Sharpe said he was unable to meet with anyone in person.


But he did chat with Kubiak, Cousins and Thielen by phone, and he has set up footwork drills in his backyard to stay sharp.