The Minnesota Vikings could eventually reach a contract extension with Jordan Addison, but the longer they wait, the clearer it becomes that it could cost between $31 million and $35 million annually to keep him.
The price became clearer last week after Chris Olave reached an agreement on a four-year, $124 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Then, on Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Zay Flowers agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens.
With a pair of Pro Bowl appearances under his belt and his status as the top target in the Ravens’ offense, locking up Flowers is a solid move. But it could also give the Vikings the information they need to lock up Addison in the coming months.
Jordan Addison’s contract should be the Minnesota Vikings’ next priority after Zay Flowers news
Addison has made an instant impact since being selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 draft, catching 175 passes for 2,396 yards and 22 touchdowns. While his production has declined in each of his three seasons, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell views him as a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson, which could lead Minnesota to lock him up for the long-term.
If the Vikings were smart, they’d pursue a new deal with Addison right away as he was selected one pick after the Ravens took Flowers in that draft. Addison also has lower stats than Flowers, but those numbers are skewed due to injury and a three-game suspension at the beginning of the 2023 season.
Of course, the biggest issue is Addison’s off the field troubles. After being cited for speeding shortly before his rookie season, Addison was arrested on suspicion of DWI in California before the 2024 campaign. While that charge was reduced in a plea agreement the following summer, it didn’t stop the NFL from issuing a suspension and Addison made himself an offseason trade candidate when he was arrested for misdemeanor trespassing at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino near Tampa, Fla. last January.
While it would have been easy for the Vikings to move on, they’ve remained committed and picked up his fifth-year option to buy more time. It also would be easy for the Vikings to look past his latest arrest as charges were dropped and give Addison the bag, especially since they have an idea of how much an extension should cost.
Addison’s price is only going to increase if the Vikings wait on an extension
With Olave and Flowers signing this week, Addison’s contract should cost somewhere between the $31 to $35 million the two receivers received in their deals. While that number could go up if the Vikings want to allow Addison to play out the season, his first 1,000-yard campaign wouldn’t bring him too much higher above Flowers as both players have had similar production.
A $33.5 million AAV would also put Addison just outside the top-five highest receivers in the NFL according to Over The Cap. But while some fans may find that pricey, it could also look like a bargain one year from now the way the wide receiver market has exploded.
That movement could push the Vikings to get a deal done soon. But if anything, they have an idea on how much it will take to keep Addison around past next season.
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