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Vikings End the Jordan Addison Mystery
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- Vikings End the Jordan Addison Mystery
Jeffrey Becker
Because of Jordan Addison's tendency for the nefarious, some wondered if the Minnesota Vikings would lock in his optional fifth-year option in 2027. After very little suspense, onlookers learned on Monday that the answer was yes .
Minnesota removed the guesswork and made Addison's contract timeline official for the next two seasons.
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The Vikings pressed the button on the fifth-year option, contractually connecting Addison to the Vikings through the end of 2027, at minimum.
Minnesota Made Its Addison Commitment Now
Justin Jefferson will retain his main teammate indefinitely.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) sprints toward the end zone after breaking loose on a deep reception during third-quarter action against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sep. 14, 2023, in Philadelphia. Addison's burst down the sideline capped a high-impact scoring play in a nationally televised road showdown. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Addison's Fifth Year Activated
Minnesota had until May 1st to decide on Addison's future, but announced the decision on Monday. ESPN's Kevin Seifert explained , "The Minnesota Vikings will exercise the fifth-year option on receiver Jordan Addison's contract, interim general manager Rob Brzezinski said Monday. That means Addison is now signed through the 2027 season. The No. 23 pick of the 2023 draft, Addison will earn $2.6 million in 2026 and is now on the books for $18 million in 2027."
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"Addison has been a productive receiver opposite Justin Jefferson through the first three seasons of his career. Among receivers from the 2023 draft class, he ranks first in touchdown receptions (22), fifth in catches (175) and fifth in yards per game (52.1)."
The Vikings used the last fifth-year option on 2021 draftee Christian Darrisaw (OT), and the next big decisions will be quarterback J.J. McCarthy and outside linebacker Dallas Turner at this time next year.
What It Means for Long-Term Roster Building
The Vikings have made it no secret this offseason that they plan to keep Addison around for the long haul, even if his off-the-field resume flies red flags. The fifth-year option is an action to accompany their words, and with Addison around for the next two seasons and probably longer, Minnesota is pretty well set at WR1 (Jefferson) and WR2 (Addison).
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Minnesota isn't disqualified from drafting a Round 1 wide receiver in three weeks — rookies like KC Concepcion (Texas A&M), Denzel Boston (Washington), and Omar Cooper (Indiana) will likely be there for the taking at No. 18 — but the chances of such a pick are lower with Addison in the mix for the long term.
The Vikings basically need a WR3 , whether that's last year's rookie, Tai Felton, a newcomer somewhere in Round 2 through 4 of the draft, or a free agent like Deebo Samuel.
A New Contract Around the Bend
Minnesota is also on track to extend Addison beyond his rookie contract. If it didn't want Addison back for a second contract, declining the fifth-year option and quietly exploring a trade would make the most sense.
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Because Addison has work in front of him to repair his reputation, the Vikings may "wait and see" how his 2026 campaign plays out, eyeing the 2027 offseason as prime territory for an extension. If Addison and Minnesota's brass finalized a deal right now, he'd probably earn between $28 million and $30 million annually, using Alec Pierce's recent extension in Indianapolis as a model for negotiations.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) jogs onto the field during pregame introductions ahead of a divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Oct. 15, 2023, in Chicago. The young receiver's presence signaled an expanding offensive role as Minnesota prepared for another NFC North clash on the road. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Too, Addison could reasonably explode in 2026 with Kyler Murray at quarterback. If so, and he tabulated north of 1,200 receiving yards, for example, that price tag will climb to $35 million as the NFL salary cap resets each offseason.
SI.com 's Will Ragatz on Addison's fifth-year option : "It would make sense if they wait and evaluate how Addison does over the next year — both on and off the field. They could then work out an extension next offseason that bakes in the $18 million in 2027. They previously waited until after year four to extend Justin Jefferson, whose situation was less complicated due to his immense talent and lack of off-the-field drama."
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"Addison has been a rumored trade candidate, but the Vikings believe in his talent and are severely lacking in wide receiver depth behind him and Jefferson after WR3 Jalen Nailor departed in free agency earlier this month."
A Clean Slate?
Opting for Addison's fifth-year option is arguably the best "happy Addison news" in quite some time. He's usually in news headlines for all the wrong reasons, arrested in 2023 for driving 140 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, found drunk and asleep on a Los Angeles freeway in 2024, missing a London walkthrough last season, and arrested for trespassing at a Florida casino earlier this year.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison moves toward the sideline following the final whistle of a divisional road game at Soldier Field on Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. The matchup lacked late momentum for Minnesota, as Addison exited after a physical contest in which the Bears controlled tempo throughout the afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images
There's always something bizarre and quasi-unexplainable surrounding Addison's behavior. Monday brought good news for the 24-year-old.
It's apparent that the Vikings believe in him; a clean slate feels present. It's up to him not to squander the goodwill.
