Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
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Brian Branch #32 of the Detroit Lions intercepts a pass intended for Jordan Addison #3 of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Vikings have by May 1st to decide the future of Jordan Addison with the organization.
May 1st is the deadline to pick up 2023 first round picks’ fifth-year option for teams around the league. Addison’s case may be the most interesting and pivotal of them all.
Addison is coming off of a solid first three seasons in the league, though he is yet to post a 1,000 yard season. If the decision were based off of play alone, it could be safe to assume that Minnesota would check “yes” on committing to him.
Unfortunately, as we all know, it’s not that cut-and-dry with Jordan Addison thus far in his career.
Vikings Need to Make Decision on Jordan Addison
Minnesota Vikings
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 24: Jordan Addison #3 and Trent Sherfield Sr. #11 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrate after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 24, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Joe Nelson ofSports Illustrated put it beautifully when discussing the prospect of picking up Addison’s option with all of their current needs elsewhere on the team, as well as Addison’s legal history.
“With Jefferson already carrying a $38.9 million cap hit in 2026, the Vikings have to be measured about how they spend money in free agency. Do they want to dole out big chunks of cash for wide receivers when they have more pressing needs at center, cornerback, and safety?
Addison is also due for an extension within the next two years, so Minnesota has a big decision coming with him. Do they trade him this offseason? Do they sign him to an extension when his value might be a bit lower after a rough 2025 season and his third arrest within three years?”
The Vikings would owe Addison some real money if they pick up the option. Nelson reports that it would put the Vikings in line to pay him roughly $17.9 million guaranteed in 2027. Addison is on the 2026 books for roughly $4.4 million with $2.6 million guaranteed.
WR Jalen Nailor Could Be Looking at a Large Pay Increase
Jalen Nailor, Vikings
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 14: Jalen Nailor #1 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in warmups prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Athletic‘s Daniel Popper projects Nailor to receive a base contract of 3-years/$36 million from whichever team commits to him. This is a huge jump from his $1.1 million salary in 2025 with the Vikings. There should be decent interest for him on the open market.
Popper justified his opinions on Nailor’s contract. He claims that Nailor is a “player who is ready to take the jump in the right enviornment.”
Popper provided further elaboration on the former Michigan State Spartan.
“Nailor has the spatial awareness to weave through zones and find soft spots. He was predominantly a slot player in Minnesota but has inside-outside flexibility. He flashes late hands to prevent defensive backs from turning and locating the ball. Nailor is not a burner, but he can push vertically out of the slot on fades, wheels and corners. He is compact ball carrier who is capable after the catch, and he is also a quality run blocker for his size.”
The Vikings will have to be measured when it comes to Nailor. Jefferson is currently on the books for over $38 million in 2026. And of course, Minnesota must decide on their commitment to Jordan Addison.