The Minnesota Vikings already pay a premium at wide receiver, with Justin Jefferson ranking as the NFL’s fifth-highest-paid non-quarterback, according to Over The Cap. But the team may soon face another tough financial decision: Is Jordan Addison worth a second major investment at wideout?
Addison, currently in the final year of his four-year, $13.7 million rookie deal, has become a player to watch — both within the organization and around the league.
Addison Set for Big Payday?
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan believes Addison is poised to cash in when the time comes.
“Addison is extension-eligible after the 2025 season, but the Vikings hold team control through 2027 via the fifth-year option,” Sullivan wrote on May 23. He also highlighted Addison as one of the NFL’s top young players due for a big-money extension. “He’s widely viewed as one of the league’s best No. 2 receivers playing alongside Justin Jefferson.”
Addison made an immediate impact as a rookie, tying franchise legend Randy Moss with six touchdowns in his first seven games. He ended the season with 70 receptions, 911 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Even after missing two games in Year 2 due to an ankle injury, he still produced 875 yards and nine scores on 63 catches.
Sullivan compared Addison’s potential contract situation to that of Tee Higgins, the Bengals’ WR2 who recently secured a four-year, $114 million deal.
Jordan Addison
Make-or-Break Year 3
Despite falling short of a 1,000-yard season so far, Addison’s 20 total touchdowns underscore his red-zone value. And his first two seasons came during stretches of quarterback instability.
Heading into Year 3, however, all eyes are on him. Drafted 23rd overall in 2023, Addison has lived up to his on-field potential — but his off-field decisions have raised eyebrows.
He was cited for excessive speeding in July 2023, and less than a year later, was arrested outside LAX on suspicion of DUI. That case is ongoing, with a jury trial scheduled for June 16, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. Addison has pleaded not guilty.
With his performance — and future earnings — at stake, staying focused on football and out of legal trouble could be worth millions.
Vikings Already Preparing for Life Without Him?
Addison’s off-field issues and looming contract questions have sparked trade speculation. While the team technically controls his rights through 2029 (thanks to potential fifth-year and franchise tag options), the Vikings have made moves that suggest they’re planning for possible alternatives.
They drafted Tai Felton out of Maryland in the third round of the 2025 draft. Known for his speed and big-play potential, Felton could contribute early as a special teamer while developing into a downfield threat.
Minnesota also signed Rondale Moore and Tim Jones in free agency. All three newcomers will likely compete for snaps behind Jefferson, potentially pushing out players like Jalen Nailor, who’s entering the final year of his deal.
A Luxury or a Long-Term Piece?
With Justin Jefferson locked in as the clear WR1 and T.J. Hockenson commanding targets at tight end, Addison may be viewed more as a luxury than a necessity in this evolving offense.
If he continues producing at a high level and stays out of trouble, he could become a cornerstone. But if concerns linger, the Vikings might decide to move on — especially with a deepening receiver room ready to step up.
In short: Addison’s third season may not just define his value — it could determine whether he stays in Minnesota at all.
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