Vikings Complete Major Housekeeping Item

“The No. 23 overall pick of the 2023 draft, Addison has been productive in each of his three seasons, playing alongside one of the league’s top receivers in Justin Jefferson. In 2025, Addison caught 42 passes for 610 yards with three touchdowns in 14 games.”

The deal will make Addison the 23rd highest-paid wide receiver by late-April 2026 standards.

The Career So Far in MIN

The Vikings’ decision to pick up Addison’s fifth-year option is the most positive news regarding him in a while. Too often, headlines surrounding the man have focused on concerning incidents: his 2023 arrest for driving 140 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, being found drunk and asleep on a Los Angeles freeway in 2024, missing a London walkthrough last season, and a trespassing arrest at a Florida casino earlier this year.

A recurring pattern of off-field issues has sullied his immense talent. However, Monday brought some much-needed positive news. The Vikings still clearly believe in him. He now has a fresh start, and Addison must ensure this goodwill doesn’t lead to another regrettable chapter.

On the field, his production has never been the issue. In 46 games, Addison has accumulated 2,396 receiving yards, 286 catches, and 22 touchdowns. With more consistent quarterback play and a quieter off-field profile, a 1,000-yard season remains entirely achievable.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) secures a reception against Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon (32) during third-quarter action at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Nov. 3, 2024 marking the in-game moment as Minnesota pushes its offensive rhythm. Addison tracks the ball cleanly while navigating coverage in a tightly contested sequence. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

The Viking Age‘s Adam Carlson on Addison’s fifth year: “At a time when wide receivers are earning big paydays with extensions around the league. Minnesota using the fifth-year option rather than signing him to an extension is interesting and shouldn’t go unnoticed. The nice part of the option for Addison is that there is no hurry to lock him down until after the 2026 NFL season. Plus, if the Vikings decide not to do that, they now have the former USC receiver’s rights and can seek alternatives to a contract extension.”

“If the Minnesota Vikings can find consistency at quarterback and on the offensive line this season, the sky could be the limit for the team’s offense. Jordan Addison is a great target and should benefit greatly from having a superstar like Justin Jefferson across from him and a solid veteran tight end in T.J. Hockenson, making it easier for the purple and gold to move the ball efficiently through the air.”

A Breakout with Kyler Murray?

Speaking of consistent quarterback play, Addison now has a different signal-caller in the mix: Murray. Minnesota signed Murray in March after the Arizona Cardinals cut ties, and when the Vikings have featured a productive veteran quarterback — Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, Carson Wentz (for a minute) — Addison has cooked.

There’s a world where the Murray experiment fully takes off, he remains the Vikings’ quarterback for the long haul, and Addison blossoms into the Pro Bowler that fans expect. Addison certainly has the electricity, playmaking, and speed to do major damage on Sundays. Again, he merely needs good behavior and quarterback stability.

Vikings May Need a WR3, Too

Meanwhile, most predicted Minnesota to draft a rookie wide receiver last weekend after the club did extensive homework at the position leading up to the draft. Then, that didn’t happen.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) is brought down by New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) during first-half action at MetLife Stadium, with Sep. 8, 2024 capturing the early-game intensity as Minnesota tests its passing attack. Addison fights for extra yardage while Phillips wraps him up in open space. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.

Instead, head coach Kevin O’Connell has second-year speedster Tai Felton lined up for the job behind Addison at WR3, and nobody knows if that will hold all spring and summer. Thankfully, if O’Connell opts for a surer thing, the free-agent market has plenty of options, including Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, and DeAndre Hopkins. San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk could also be gettable via trade.

Addison will turn 25 during the postseason next season. Next year at this time, the Vikings must decide on fifth-year rookie options for quarterback J.J. McCarthy and outside linebacker Dallas Turner.