Justin Jefferson’s New Deal Might Expense the Vikings Addison Jordan
There are two young, capable wide receivers on the Minnesota Vikings roster. One, Justin Jefferson, is about to become the highest paid player in the league who is not a quarterback. The other is Jordan Addison, who was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He is already showing that he is more gifted than other WR2s in this league.
With how things are going, Jefferson, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, should soon receive a massive salary. One veteran NFL executive finds it difficult to imagine the Vikings ever paying two wide receivers the amount they would ultimately have to pay Jordan Addison, on top of whatever JJ ends up earning, given the kind of money Jefferson will fetch (~$35 million per year).
Will Jordan Addison of the Minnesota Vikings be lost by Justin Jefferson’s extension?
Just the second year of a four-year rookie deal lies ahead of Addison. That does not account for the possibility of a franchise tag after that or a fifth-year team option. Put another way, even if it might get costly in the end, the Vikings could theoretically control Addison’s future for another six or seven years.
However, Randy Mueller, a former NFL executive who currently contributes to The Athletic, thinks he has a superior concept. He would be getting ready to trade Jordan Addison before he ever became pricey if he were in charge of the front office of the Minnesota Vikings.
Mueller concurs that Jefferson should be extended since he is the finest wide receiver in the NFL. Nevertheless, he notes that they will be in a difficult financial situation due to the cost of having to re-sign the (almost) 25-year-old phenomenon. Mueller is considering Addison as a potential cap casualty in 2026, or in any other year that he would be qualified for an extension.
Related: The Minnesota Vikings Don’t Even Have J.J. McCarthy as Their Backup Right Now
The takeaway: If it’s not Addison, it will be a significant other.
But Randy’s argument goes beyond. The Minnesota Vikings will need to make cuts elsewhere on the roster when Jefferson signs his contract. Christian Darrisaw will receive compensation. TJ Hockenson and Brian O’Neill are already being compensated. Additionally, improvements elsewhere will cost money, etc.
That being said, there will inevitably be roster sacrifices. Addison, will that be? That is contingent upon his performance, the level of interest from others, the players the Vikings have behind him, and other factors.
Mueller does point out that having rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy on a rookie deal should provide the Vikings some flexibility if their evaluation of him turns out to be right. It is far too early to draw this conclusion. Yes, Addison led all rookie wide receivers in touchdowns during his incredible rookie campaign.
