As it stands today, the Minnesota Vikings have arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL with Justin Jefferson – who just got a massive extension and will be with the team for the foreseeable future.
They also have one of the best wide receiver duos in the league when you add in second-year receiver Jordan Addison. Addison had an outstanding rookie season, and he could be poised for an even bigger role in year 2.
As a rookie last year, Addison is scheduled to be with the Vikings for at least the next three seasons, including the upcoming year. Minnesota could opt to keep Addison for another season beyond that by exercising their fifth-year option on the young receiver. So Addison will also be with the team for the foreseeable future, right? Maybe not.
Addison has shown some significant lapses in judgment in his short time in the league, and his latest incident could result in the team pursuing other top options at the position, writes Pioneer Press’ Vikings beat writer Charley Walters.
Walters points out that, should Addison be suspended for his most recent incident – a DUI arrest in Los Angeles just a week after Vikings cornerback Khyree Jackson was killed as the victim of a drunk driver – it would make Addison’s contract non-guaranteed.
That would make it much easier for the Vikings to move on from Addison and pursue other options at the position, whether it be through free agency, a trade, or the NFL Draft. That last one, however, is maybe the least likely scenario, as the Vikings currently only have three selections in next year’s draft. However, pursuing a trade or someone in free agency is a distinct possibility if the team moves on from Addison.
A number of high-profile wide receivers are currently scheduled to hit free agency after the season, including Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb, San Francisco 49ers’ (for now) Brandon Aiyuk, and Cincinnati Bengals’ Tee Higgins.
Panthers’ wide receiver Diontae Johnson and Bucs’ receiver Chris Godwin are also scheduled to hit free agency after the season.
While potentially none of those names actually hit free agency, there should be a number of good options available if Minnesota chooses to go that direction.