Report: MN Vikings Now Intend to Pay Another Wide Receiver

Hopefully Minnesota Vikings do not have any PTSD leftover from the unexpectedly drawn out Justin Jefferson contract negotiations two-plus years ago. Thankfully, a deal eventually got done and now we get to see #18 catch touchdowns and Griddy in purple and gold for the foreseeable future.

When he signed it, Jefferson’s new deal made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. When a contract gets that big, it takes time to work out all the nuances involved.

But back in April 2023, the same year that early Jefferson negotiations were heating up, the MN Vikings went out and got WR1 insurance, drafting USC’s fast twitch, route-running stud, Jordan Addison, with the No. 23 overall pick.

Immediately, Addison proved his talent when Jefferson missed seven games of the 2023 season with a bad hamstring. Even dealing with five different quarterbacks, after Kirk Cousins ruptured his achilles, Jordan piled up 70 receptions, 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie.

Since then, he has had some run-ins with the law, including a DUI arrest in LA back in 2024 that was later plead down to a “wet reckless” violation. In week 4, Addison is set to return from his three-game suspension, stemming from that incident, giving the Minnesota offense yet another weapon in the passing game.

But now, it’s Jordan Addison who is coming due for a contract extension, and it could come as soon as this upcoming offseason. When the 2025 season ends, the Minnesota Vikings will undoubtedly lock in the fifth year of the 23-year-old’s rookie deal, which will make him a Viking through 2027.

Minnesota Vikings plan to pay Jordan Addison…?

However, if Addison wants to get paid sooner, there it sounds like the Vikings front office would welcome that conversation. That’s a change in narrative, from what we’ve been told prior. Due to the size of Jefferson’s deal, there has been doubt surrounding their ability to pay Addison too.

But on Thursday’s episode of “Purple Daily” on SKOR North, local insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson suggested on that Minnesota now intends to pay the freight on Addison too.

“He is a number one receiver, but here, number two. Wait until you see the contract extension he will sign. The Vikings, have in their minds, this idea that they are going to pay Addison. Now could that change, could that shift? Sure. They feel like they hit on a first round pick. The idea is in a pass first offense in many ways, that you want two dynamic receivers. Jordan Addison can get one of those Garrett Wilson-type contracts. If not more. Terry McLaurin, $30 million a year-plus. He is that good.”

Darren Wolfson – Purple Daily

As Wolfson alludes to, a lot can change in two years. That doesn’t mean the Vikings don’t understand the value they have in their second wideout, and he would immediately raise the bar for any other team.

The two deals that Wolfson noted as logical benchmarks include Garrett Wilson’s four-year, $130 million pact and Terry McClaurin’s three-year, $97 million deal. Both are good bets to be in the realm of what Addison may accept.

Across his first 32 games he already has 19 touchdowns. Addison has accumulated 1,786 yards on 133 receptions while playing in the shadow of Justin Jefferson. His ability makes it impossible for an opposing defense to try and scheme away one of Minnesota’s top two wideouts.

Jordan Addison is unguardable pic.twitter.com/NJD0Blz5Ej

— vikesinsider (@vikesinsider) August 14, 2025

It seemed a bit unlikely that the Vikings could accommodate two big wide receiver contracts, but it’s tough to overlook the impact he has on the offense. While T.J. Hockenson could be playing for a new deal this year, he has not lived up to the expectations set out for him when acquired from the Detroit Lions.

If it comes down to deciding which pass-catch is more important to the future of the offense, that decision may have already been made for the franchise.

Cap space opens up for Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota paired the Jefferson extension with one for star left tackle Christian Darrisaw last season. Addison getting his money three years later would set up opportunity to fit everyone under the salary cap. Although the Vikings have issues to work out on that front next year, they are currently projected to have $41 million in cap space for 2027.

The hope too would be that J.J. McCarthy can be the real deal, and he would still be on his rookie deal at that point. Kevin O’Connell has done plenty with quarterbacks, but giving them elite pass-catching talent has been a large part of the equation.

If Addison can continue to produce, and avoid any further off-the-field issues, it makes plenty of sense for the team that drafted him to be the one that pays him. As of right now, Wolfson sees that as the intended course of action.