Vikings secure Jordan Addison's future, paying $18 million for a potent WR2. Is this significant investment the key to unlocking the offense?
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is back for another season with the team. This news comes as the Vikings announced they will exercise the fifth-year option on Addison's contract, locking him in for another season in Minnesota.
Adam New of Vikings Territory discussed the deal to bring Addison to the Vikings for another season. New explained what it means for the team's future plans at the wide receiver position.
"It should have been a simple decision with Addison proving himself a very capable wide receiver since being drafted in the first round back in 2023. He had a down season last year, but the entire Vikings offense did as well, as the team battled through quarterback problems.
Addison has almost been the perfect number two to Justin Jefferson. Many WRs drafted in the first round might let their ego get in the way of being a clear WR2, but. Addison has quietly gotten on with his game — caught passes, scored touchdowns, and has often been most impressive when Jefferson has been absent, and he had to take on the WR1 mantle. Addison stands out as one of the few successful draft picks of the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era and has performed his role on the Vikings offense almost perfectly."
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) makes a catch against New York Giants safety Dane Belton (24) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesAdding Addison for another season addresses a clear need at the second wide receiver spot for the near future, but it did not come cheap. The Vikings pass catcher is set to make $18 million in his fifth year to be the second target behind star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.
We are a little over a decade removed from when $20 million per year was expensive for a starting quarterback. The fourth-year receiver is set to near that number despite not yet eclipsing 1,000 yards in a season. Even so, the potential has always been there for Addison who posted 911 yards and 10 touchdown catches in his rookie year in 2023.
The Vikings do not seem bothered by the extended contract. It gives the team an additional year after the 2026 season to build around Jefferson and starting quarterback Kyler Murray should this year go well for Murray and company. That said, there still is work left to do in adding a quality third option to Jefferson and Addison.
The Vikings spared little to no expense to bring back Addison for two more seasons. Addison will look to have another breakout season in his first year catching passes from Kyler Murray.