It didn’t take long for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison to hit full throttle after returning to the lineup last month, and looking ahead, the franchise will have a big decision regarding its future.
Jordan Addison returned from suspension over the last few weeks, playing wonderfully and paving the way for a big decision regarding the Vikings.
Starting next offseason, Addison’s extension talks will intensify and the man will most likely ask for $30 million or more per season. Minnesota must decide whether to invest in a player with an off-the-field track record or trade him in 2026 or 2027.
Jordan Addison is on track to be worth over $30 million per year
Addison won’t discount anyone.
Value for Jordan Addison shoots for the moon
Addison has 283 receiving yards in three games, putting up such high numbers with a suspect quarterback performance, courtesy of Carson Wentz.
Fit for a 17 game season – so, yes, if Addison was not suspended to start the year – Addison reportedly on track for over 1,600 receiving yards. Some wondered if Addison would take some time to build rapport with Wentz or to fight off offseason rust. Neither scenario happened.
The offseason after the third season of a rookie contract is prime territory for the player to request an extension, and don’t look now, but it will take about four months. The guy who racked up 1,320 receiving yards in a suspension-shortened season will be asking for his sack in no time.
Antics in the background
With contract negotiations looming, this offseason is crucial for Addison, especially when it comes to avoiding off-field mistakes and unnecessary drama.
The Vikings have been patient with his two separate driving incidents (speeding 90 mph in 2023 and DUI-adjacent felony in 2024), treating him as a young player still finding his footing rather than a lost cause. Because no one was hurt, Minnesota leaders could afford to forgive.
This grace, however, has an expiration date. One more arrest – no matter how minor – could force the team into difficult waters, potentially seeking a trade, or even a release. Any additional legal issues would almost certainly derail its long-term earning potential.
Addison was also benched for a quarter in Week 5 against Cleveland after skipping a team visit, adding another blemish to his resume.
At this point, it’s simple: he needs to keep his head down, stay out of trouble, and prove he’s worth the investment, because the next misstep could cost him credibility and money.
Fair market value
The NFL salary scale climbs every year and Addison will inevitably be part of the next wave. Right now, receivers at his level — guys like Tee Higgins and Jaylen Waddle — make about $28 million a year. If Addison continues to live up to his own standards, expect him to push for a $30 million figure without hesitation.
This type of deal would currently place him among the 10th highest-paid receivers in the league in October 2025.
And let’s be real: The Vikings aren’t getting a hometown discount just because he had a few stupid moments. NFL agents don’t care about “lessons learned” awards. Fuhgeddaboudit.
The Vikings almost can’t let him walk
Here’s the kicker: Addison seems to have turned the corner to becoming the type of playmaker the Vikings can’t let go. Simply put, a guy who can put up 1,300 receiving yards in 14 games shouldn’t be left for dead in free agency or traded.
Before this season, Addison was chipping away at production just under 1,000 yards per year. Today, he is taking the big leap towards stardom.
Even with his off-field ruckus, fans could riot if general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades him. He’s so good.
Other Takes from Addison
The Viking AgeIt is Luke Norris on Addison: “An extension for Addison could net him $30 million per season if he continues to put up the kind of numbers he has over the first two years of his career.”
“Now it will be interesting to see what happens this season, as Addison’s three appearances so far have been with Carson Wentz at quarterback. And obviously the two have developed a strong relationship. But with JJ McCarthy returning to practice last week for the first time since suffering a sprained ankle in Week 2 and Wentz not having the best overall game against Philadelphia, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, hinted in his post-game presser that a change under center could happen as early as Thursday night when Minnesota visits the Los Angeles Chargers.
The simplest way to think about it? Addison is no longer a luxury item. It can be essential to the vitality of the team.
Norris concluded: “It’s not like Addison has any familiarity with McCarthy, as the two have had training camp and a preseason to develop some chemistry. Regular-season action hits differently, of course, but Addison is the type of receiver who seems comfortable no matter who gives him the ball. And if he can get comfortable with McCarthy, his value won’t than increase. “
Addison will be 24 in three months. The peak of his career has not yet reached.
